Assam Current Affairs – October 1-7, 2018

Posted on October 11, 2018November 26, 2018 by admin

Current Affairs Assam – October  1-7, 2018

( Covers all important Assam Current Affairs & GK topics for the week of October 1-7, 2018 )

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October 1

Over 8,000 children missing in Assam since 2013

As per an assembly reply by Assam’s Parliamentary Affairs minister Chandra Mohan Patowary, around 8,443 children went missing from Assam in the last five years.
The trend of children going missing has been increasing every year in Assam.
Very less number of missing children are recovered. Only 4,377 missing children were recovered in the last five years.
In 2017, 1,839 children went missing and 1,086 missing children were recovered by the police.

Reliance Foundation keen to partner with Meghalaya for sports infrastructure

Nita Ambani said that Reliance Foundation Youth Sports (RFYS) is keen to partner with Meghalaya government in building sports infrastructure ahead of the National Games in the mountainous state.
It is to be mentioned that Meghalaya will be hosting the National Games 2022 coinciding with the 50th year of the creation of the state.
Nita Ambani is the founder-chairperson of Reliance Foundation and also a member of international olympic committee.

FACTFILE – Reliance Foundation Youth Sports

RFYS is an initiative driven by Reliance Foundation, a non-profit and CSR front of the Reliance Group, which focuses on providing a platform for youth sports in India, especially at the school and collegiate level.
Currently, eight cities are a part of the foundation’s long-term goal which aims at establishing a sports association
In 2015, Reliance Foundation had also initiated Reliance Foundation Young Champs (RFYC) – a programme to foster football talent in India. The programme was tied to the Indian Super League’s eight cities and the respective teams conduct grassroots initiatives to contribute to the RFYC.

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) opens crucial meeting to consider global warming report

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) with representatives from 195 countries and leading scientists opened a crucial meeting here to consider its special report on global warming.
The representatives will work with the scientists from 1^stoct to 5^thoct to finalise the Summary for Policymakers of the report, Global Warming of 1.5 degrees Celsius, an IPCC special report on the impacts of global warming of 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels and related global greenhouse gas emission pathways.
The IPCC is the UN body for assessing the science related to climate change.
The report will analyse the context of strengthening the global response to the threat of climate change, sustainable development and efforts to eradicate poverty.
Governments invited the IPCC to prepare the report in 2015 when they adopted the Paris Agreement to combat climate change.
The Paris Agreement sets a long-term goal of holding the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and pursuing efforts to limit it to 1.5 degrees.

The IPCC was established by the N Environment Programme and the World Meteorological Organization in 1988 to provide policymakers with regular scientific assessments concerning climate change, its implications and potential future risks, as well as to put forward adaptation and mitigation strategies.

GST revenue collection for September 2018 month crosses Rs 94,000 crore

GST collection in September unlike August witnessed an upward trend. In September, the revenue collected under GST touched Rs 94,000 crore.
Goods and Services Tax (GST) revenue for August was the lowest in the five months so far this fiscal. In July the collection was Rs 96,483 crore, in June it was Rs 95,610 crore, in May Rs 94,016 crore and in April Rs 1.03 lakh crore.
Goods and Services Tax (GST) revenue for August was the lowest in the five months so far this fiscal. In July the collection was Rs 96,483 crore, in June it was Rs 95,610 crore, in May Rs 94,016 crore and in April Rs 1.03 lakh crore.
The revenues collected in September, 2018 of Rs 94,442 crore shows an upward trend as compared to August, 2018 collection of Rs. 93,690 crore.
However, compliance improved as 67 lakh GSTR-3B or summary sales returns were filed during August, up from 66 lakh filed in July.

October 2

Assam CM launches Wage Compensation Scheme for pregnant women in tea gardens

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on 1^stOct launched Wage Compensation Scheme for Pregnant Women to bring down the mortality rate among pregnant women in tea garden areas of the state.
Large working labour population in the tea gardens have not been given access to quality healthcare.
The high maternal mortality ratio (MMR) among pregnant women in tea garden areas has been a major cause of worry they have to work through their pregnancy till the time of delivery.
To address this concern, the Wage Compensation Scheme for Pregnant Women will provide a total of Rs 12,000 to each pregnant woman working in the tea gardens.
An amount of over Rs 55 crore has been allotted in the state’s 2018-19 health Budget towards this scheme, which will benefit nearly 48,000 pregnant women of tea garden areas every year.
All temporary, permanent or non-workers living within the tea garden premises will be eligible for the scheme.

Assam Police Day 2018 celebrated on 1^st October

Assam Police Day 2018 celebrated on 1^st October at the 4th battalion of Assam police office in Guwahati’s Kahilipara.
Leading up to the celebrations, Assam police organised awareness programs on cyber crime, use of social media, drug abuse, mob violence, lynching, superstitions and other social issues throughout the state.
The foundation day celebrations also strive to boost relation between police and the general public.
Assam CM said that the State government was taking a lot of steps to modernise the Assam Police, Sonowal said along with infrastructural changes the mentality must also be changed befitting a modern police force. The Cyberdome has been set up in the State to tackle cyber crimes and a lot of other initiatives have been taken to make the Assam Police a smart force.
Director General of Police Kuladhar Saikia also highlighted the crucial role played by Assam Police in the fight against insurgency and maintenance of law and order.

FACTFILE – Assam Police

The Assam Police is the law enforcement agency for the state of Assam in India.
A regular police force was initiated in Assam by the British after the Treaty of Yandaboo to maintain the law and order.
It functions under the Department of Home Affairs, Assam.
The Headquarters of Assam police is situated in state capital Dispur.
The Assam Police is headed by Director General of Police.

Point2Remember – DGP of Assam Police is Kuladhar Saikia, IPS

India, Uzbekistan sets bilateral trade target of $1 billion

India and Uzbekistan set an annual bilateral trade target of US $1 billion to be achieved in two years and agreed to cooperate in counter-terrorism efforts as the two sides signed 17 agreements across a range of sectors following delegation-level talks led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
They also agreed to further strengthen their Strategic Partnership and boost connectivity in a significant manifestation of India’s increasing engagements with Central Asia.
They noted the favourable conditions for investment by Indian companies in Uzbekistan, including in the framework of the special economic zones and free pharmaceutical zones.
Both countries positively assessed the establishment of an Uzbek-Indian Business Council between industry body CII and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan.
Uzbekistan has agreed to be a part of the International North South Transport Corridor (INSTC).
The INSTC is a 7,200-km-long multi-modal network of ship, rail and road routes to move freight between India, Iran, Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russia, Central Asia and Europe.
Both sides agreed to deepen cooperation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and other international forums.
Two countries agreed to strengthen cooperation between their law enforcement agencies and special services, including under the framework of the Uzbekistan-India Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism.
The 17 agreements signed between the two sides covered the areas of tourism, military training, law and justice, agriculture, science and innovation, health and pharmaceuticals.

FACTFILE – Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan is a doubly landlocked country in Central Asia.
The sovereign state is a secular, unitary constitutional republic.
Uzbekistan is bordered by five landlocked countries: Kazakhstan to the north; Kyrgyzstan to the northeast; Tajikistan to the southeast; Afghanistan to the south; and Turkmenistan to the southwest.
Following the breakup of the Soviet Union, it declared independence as the Republic of Uzbekistan on 31 August 1991.
Total Area of 448,978 km2 and estimated population in 2017 was 32,979,000
The Registan was the heart of the ancient city of Samarkand of the Timurid dynasty, is in Uzbekistan. And India’s Mughal dynasty is a descendent of the Timurid dynasty.

IMF appoints Gita Gopinath as the Director of Research Department

Gita Gopinath, a well-known educationist and economic adviser to the Kerala government, has been appointed the Director of Research Department of International Monetary Fund.
Announcing her appointment, IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde said that Gopinath is one of the best economists in the world and her last record is very fantastic and she has a great international experience.

BIOGRAPHY – Gita Gopinath

She has got her Bachelor degree from Lady Shri Ram College, New Delhi and MA degree from the Delhi School of Economics.
She joined Harvard in 2005, before she was an assistant professor in the University of Chicago.
She is a John Zwaanstra Professor of International Studies and Economics at Harvard University.
She is also the economic adviser to the Chief Minister of Kerala, and according to her life introduction in Harvard, her appointment to this honorary post took place in 2016 and she has been given the rank of Chief Secretary.
She has also been included in the G-20 Advisory Committee of India’s Ministry of Finance as a reputed member.

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Assam Current Affairs September 29-30, 2018

Posted on October 2, 2018November 5, 2018 by admin

Current Affairs Assam - September 29-30, 2018

( Covers all important Assam Current Affairs & GK topics for the week of September 29-30, 2018 )

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September 29

India, Bangladesh working on Free Trade Agreement

India and Bangladesh are working on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), or free trade agreement (FTA), which would set an example for giving a boost to regional trade in South Asia.
India and Bangladesh have agreed to upgrade trade logistics for seamless movement of cargo and have already identified seven dual hubs, some of which will start working immediately,
The Bangladesh Trade Minister along with a delegation has been invited to visit India in October to discuss the trade and investment potential between the two countries.
The World Bank report – “A Glass Half Full: The Promise of Regional Trade in South Asia” – says India’s trade with South Asia at around $19 billion is only 3 per cent of its global trade worth $ 637 billion.
The report also points out that current trade between India and Pakistan at a paltry $2 billion annually, could go up to $37 billion in the absence of artificial barriers.

PM Modi and Cochin Airport awarded with UN’s highest honour ‘Champions of the Earth’ award

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded UN’s highest environmental honour ‘Champions of the Earth’ in the Policy Leadership category, for his leadership in establishing the International Solar Alliance and pledge to eliminate single-use plastic in India by 2022.
Cochin International Airport was also honoured with the award in the category of Entrepreneurial Vision, for its use of sustainable energy, along with four other environmental change makers.
The UN Champions of the Earth awards would be presented during the Champions of the Earth Gala in US’ New York City, on the sidelines of the 73rd UN General Assembly (UNGA).

FACTFILE – UN Champions of the Earth award

Champions of the Earth award is the United Nations highest environmental honour recognizing visionary people and organisations all over the world that exemplify leadership and advocate action on sustainable development, climate change and a life of dignity for all.
To achieve the 17 Sustainable Development Goals the environment plays a key role. About half of the SDGs are directly environmental or address the sustainability of natural resources: poverty, health, food and agriculture, water and sanitation, human settlements, energy, climate change, sustainable consumption and production, oceans, and terrestrial ecosystems.
The award supports this process by illustrating, through the examples of the laureates, that the transition to a low-carbon, resource-efficient, inclusive and sustainable world is not just possible, but already in progress.

Google and Ministry of Railways launched a project to preserve cultural heritage of the Indian Railways

Google and Ministry of Railways launched a project that aims to preserve the cultural heritage of the Indian Railways. The two-year digitisation project “The Railways-Lifeline of a Nation” is a comprehensive digital document viewable on Google’s Arts and Culture website. It was launched at the National Rail Museum.
The project is divided into “Journeys”, “People”, “Heritage” and “Engineering” sections, each containing visual and textual narratives that rail enthusiasts can access for free.
It comprises photographs, documentaries, text, virtual tours, 360-degree videos, online exhibits, and maps, pertaining to the Indian Railways.
Along with several railway lines, the project also documents stories of 32 railway employees including engineers, ticket checkers, trackmen, and shunters.
The online project will also materialise as digital exhibits at 22 stations in India including New Delhi, Bengaluru, Coimbatore, Guwahati, Howrah, Secunderabad and Varanasi
The Indian Railways started its journey in 1853 between Boribunder and Thane, and has expanded to be the fourth largest railway network in the world.

Goa PWD, Portuguese Environment Ministry signs water management deal

The Goa Public Works Department (PWD) and the Portuguese Environment Ministry will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on water management.
The main points are water supply operation and energy efficiency and resource valorisation, waste water and sewerage planning, management and technological solutions, asset management procedure and standards, energy management operational workflows, operational data and information management.
Fernandes, who is on a two-day visit to Goa, is slated to visit water filtration facilities in the state.

September 30

Myanmar-India border trade reached $87 million since April, 2018

Border trade between Myanmar and India reached $87 million as of September 21 during the six-month transitional period which started in April, 2018.
The six-month transitional gap aroused as Myanmar changed its fiscal year period from April-March to October-September beginning 2018-19.
The country’s total border trade with India during this period saw a sharp increase of $54 million, compared to the same period of last fiscal 2017-18 when it was $33 million.
From April to September this year, the country’s exports to India through the border gates totaled $78 million and imports totaled $9 million.
Myanmar has been conducting trade with India via the Tamu and Reed border gates.

FACTFILE – Myanmar-India Economic relations

India is the largest market for Burmese exports, buying about US$ 220 million worth of goods in 2000; India’s exports to Burma stood at US$75.36 million.
India is Burma’s 4th largest trading partner after Thailand, China and Singapore, and second largest export market after Thailand, absorbing 25 percent of its total exports.
India is also the seventh most important source of Burma’s imports.
The Indian government has worked to extend air, land and sea routes to strengthen trade links with Myanmar and establish a gas pipeline.

Infrastructure initiatives – In 2001, India and Burma inaugurated 250 kilometre Tamu-Kalewa-Kalemyo highway, popularly called the Indo-Myanmar Friendship Road, aimed to provide a major strategic and commercial transport route connecting North-East India, and South Asia as a whole, to Southeast Asia.

India-Myanmar-Thailand Friendship Highway

India and Myanmar have agreed to a 4-lane, 3200 km triangular highway connecting India, Myanmar and Thailand. The route, runs from India’s northeastern states into Myanmar, where over 1,600 km of roads were built or improved.
The route begins from Guwahati in India and connects to Mandalay in Myanmar, route continues to Yangon in Myanmar and then to Mae Sot in Thailand, which then continues to Bangkok.
This will eventually be extended to Cambodia and Vietnam under Mekong-Ganga Cooperation within the wider framework of Asian Highway Network.
This is aimed at creating a new economic zone ranging from Kolkata on the Bay of Bengal to Ho Chi Minh City on the South China Sea.

Kaladan Multi-modal Transit Route

The Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project will connect the eastern Indian seaport of Kolkata with Sittwe seaport in Myanmar by sea; it will then link Sittwe seaport to Lashio in Myanmar via Kaladan river boat route and then from Lashio on to Mizoram in India by road transport.

Union Government sets up panel to review The Competition Act, 2002

Union government has constituted a panel to review the competition law, the committee would review the Competition Act, Rules & Regulations, in view of changing business environment and bring necessary changes, if required.
The nine-member committee chaired by Corporate Affairs Secretary Injeti Srinivas includes Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) Chairperson MS Sahoo and Competition Commission of India’s (CCI) acting chairperson Sudhir Mittal.
Announcing the setting up of the Competition Law Review Committee, the government said it is in pursuance of its objective of ensuring that legislation is in sync with the needs of strong economic fundamentals.
The committee would also look into international best practices in the competition fields, especially anti-trust laws, merger guidelines and handling cross border competition issues. Further, it would study ‘the regulatory regimes, institutional mechanisms and government policies which overlap with the Competition Act’.
The committee would submit its report within three months from the date of its first meeting.
Khaitan & Co’s Haigreve Khaitan, IKDHVAJ Advisers LLP’s Harsha Vardhana Singh and Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co’s Pallavi Shardul Shroff are among the panel members. Other members are S Chakravarthy, Honorary Visiting Professor at ASCII, Aditya Bhattacharjea, Professor of Economics at Delhi School of Economics and Joint Secretary (Competition) from the Corporate Affairs Ministry.

FACTFILE – The Competition Act, 2002

The Competition Act, 2002 was enacted by the Parliament of India and it governs Indian competition law.
It replaced the archaic The Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices Act, 1969.
Under this legislation, the Competition Commission of India was established to prevent the activities that have an adverse effect on competition in India.
It is a tool to implement and enforce competition policy and to prevent and punish anti-competitive business practices by firms and unnecessary Government interference in the market.
This act extends to entire India except Jammu and Kashmir.
The Act’s main objectives are –
- To prohibit the agreements or practices that restricts free trading and also the competition between two business entities,
- To ban the abusive situation of the market monopoly,
- To provide the opportunity to the entrepreneur for the competition in the market,
- To have the international support and enforcement network across the world,
- To prevent from anti-competition practices and to promote a fair and healthy competition in the market.

App e-Niyantron launched in Golaghat district

The Deputy Commissioner of Golaghat district Gaurav Bothra formally launched an e-Niyantron App (application) for controlling the speed limit of vehicles plying on National Highway-37 adjacent to Kaziranga National Park at Bokakhat.
This application was developed basically to control the speed of vehicles plying on NH-37 especially during the flood season as most wild animals, including rhinos, deer and elephants prefer to cross towards the southern side of NH-37 and move to the foothills of Karbi Anglong for shelter. But at times the fleeing animals are hit and killed by speeding vehicles.
Forest staff deployed at one end of the highway would insert the registration number of the vehicle once it enters the corridor zone and this registration number would then automatically be reflected in the mobile app (e-Niyantron) of another forest staff guarding another location adjacent to Kaziranga National Park.
If the vehicle reaches the other end before the prescribed speed limit, then penalty can be imposed on the vehicle which violates the rule.
This application is better than the manual time card method which forest staff used to issue during floods in the world-famed Kaziranga National Park.

China to host Fifth World Internet Conference

China will hold the fifth World Internet Conference (WIC) in November which is expected to be attended by delegates from several countries and international organisations.
The conference, scheduled to run from November 7-9, will be held in the river town of Wuzhen, eastern China’s Zhejiang Province.
This year’s WIC is themed “creating a digital world for mutual trust and collective governance — toward a community with a shared future in cyberspace.
The conference has invited guests from governments, international organisations, companies, technology communities and non-governmental organisations.
It will further enhance the establishment of an Internet development outlook characterised by mutual trust and collective governance among countries worldwide.
It will further enhance the establishment of an Internet development outlook characterised by mutual trust and collective governance among countries worldwide.
A total of 19 sub-forums are scheduled, revolving around five themes of “innovation-driven development,” “universal security,” “openness and inclusiveness,” “in pursuit of a better life” and “common prosperity.”
The sub-forums will cover topics such as artificial intelligence (AI), 5G and the digital Silk Road.
World Internet Development Report 2018 and China Internet Development Report 2018 will be released to showcase the latest academic research results in the Internet sector at home and abroad.
The event is co-hosted by the Cyberspace Administration of China and the People’s Government of Zhejiang Province.

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Assam Current Affairs September 22-28, 2018

Posted on October 2, 2018October 8, 2018 by admin

Current Affairs Assam September 22-28, 2018

( Covers all important Assam Current Affairs & GK topics for the week of September 22-28, 2018 )

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September 22

Arunachal Pradesh CM launches universal healthcare scheme

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu dedicated the Chief Minister Aarogya Arunachal Yojana (CMAAY) a universal healthcare scheme of the state government to the people of the state.
The launching of the health insurance scheme in this frontier state coincides with the nationwide launch of Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana.
The state s healthcare scheme will be dovetailed with the centre s PMJAY scheme with Rs 50 crore earmarked to provide cashless treatment of Rs 5 lakh per family per year.
The state s healthcare scheme will provide coverage to those beneficiaries left out in the PMJAY scheme.
About 88 928 families as per 2011 Socio Economic Caste Census (SECC) in Arunachal are eligible for PMJAY scheme out of 3.05 lakhs families.

Maharashtra to start a new Cyber University

Maharashtra Government is setting up a new Cyber University dedicated to mitigating cyber threats. It will train 3,000 professionals to fight online space cyber-attacks, internet crimes and conduct cyber forensics.
The Cyber University will provide for and prepare internet professionals on lines of Microsoft Certified Professional Program.
It will conduct courses in data analytics, cloud computing, blockchain, AI, cyber forensics and cyber investigations.
It will also impart training in 15 other Internet of Things (IoT) areas such as Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
For this university, state government will provide different levels of training and enable affiliated colleges to impart certification for the 15 courses.
The current demand of cyber professionals hovers around 30 lakh. The university will be a remedy for this by providing required human resource and bridge skill gap.

271 million people moved out of poverty in India, UNDP estimates

India has made momentous progress in reducing multidimensional poverty with its incidence almost halving between 2005-6 and 2015-16 climbing down to 27.5 per cent from 54.7 per cent according to estimates from the 2018 global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI).
Among South Asian countries only Maldives has a lower headcount ratio than India at 1.9 per cent with Nepal (35.3) Bangladesh (41.1) and Pakistan (43.9) having higher incidences of multidimensional poverty.
Across states castes religions and ages -are still the poorest they have also experienced the biggest reductions in MPI through the decade showing that they have been “catching up”
Pockets of poverty are found across India but multidimensional poverty is particularly acute — and significant — in the four states of Bihar Jharkhand Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. These accounted for 196 million MPI poor people — more than half of all MPI poor in India.
But there was also progress. Jharkhand made the biggest strides among all states in reducing multidimensional poverty with Arunachal Pradesh Bihar Chhattisgarh and Nagaland only slightly behind.
Delhi Kerala and Goa have the lowest incidence of multidimensional poverty.
Despite the massive gains made in reducing multidimensional poverty 364 million Indians continue to experience acute deprivations in health nutrition schooling and sanitation.
Globally around 1.3 billion people live in multidimensional poverty which is almost a quarter of the population of the 104 countries for which the 2018 MPI is calculated.
Of these 1.3 billion almost half — 46 per cent — are thought to be living in severe poverty and are deprived in at least half of the dimensions covered in the MPI.

FACTFILE – Global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI)

The global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) is an international measure of acute poverty covering over 100 developing countries. It complements traditional income-based poverty measures by capturing the severe deprivations that each person faces at the same time with respect to education, health and living standards.
The MPI assesses poverty at the individual level. If someone is deprived in a third or more of ten (weighted) indicators, the global index identifies them as ‘MPI poor’, and the extent or intensity of their poverty is measured by the number of deprivations they are experiencing.
Multidimensional Poverty Index(MPI) was developed in 2010 by the Oxford Poverty & Human Development Initiative (OPHI) and the United Nations Development Programme, and uses different factors to determine poverty beyond income-based lists.
It replaced the previous Human Poverty Index. The global MPI is released annually by OPHI and the results published on its website.
The MPI looks beyond income to understand how people experience poverty in multiple and simultaneous ways. It identifies how people are being left behind across three key dimensions: health education and living standards and 10 indicators – nutrition child mortality years of schooling school attendance sanitation cooking fuel drinking water electricity housing and assets.

Germany rolls out world’s first hydrogen-powered train

Germany has rolled out world’s first hydrogen-powered passenger train. These locomotives named iLint trains and emit zero emissions, making them eco-friendly.
This train technology offers greener and quieter alternative to diesel on non-electrified railway lines.
These hydrogen trains are manufactured by French TGV-maker Alstom and are commercially running on 100km route between towns and cities of Cuxhaven, Bremerhaven, Bremervoerde and Buxtehude in northern Germany.

FACTFILE – Hydrogen trains

Hydrogen trains are equipped with fuel cells that produce electricity by combining hydrogen with oxygen.
This conversion process only emits steam and water, thus producing zero emissions.
Excess energy produced is stored in lithium-ion batteries on board. These trains also make very little noise.
Moreover, hydrogen fuel cells have advantages over batteries. Instead of recharging, they can easily be refueled like gas or diesel engine.
It is also easier to build refueling infrastructure for these trains at railway stations.
These trains can run for around 1,000 km on a single tank of hydrogen, similar to the range of diesel trains.
These trains offer attractive prospect to many cities scrambling to combat air pollution.

September 23

Meghalaya Cabinet approves state education policy

The Meghalaya Cabinet approved the State Education Policy after 46 years of statehood. The Cabinet meeting, which was chaired by Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, also approved a proposal to bring an official resolution in the Assembly on the need to to include Khasi and Garo languages in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.
The resolution will be tabled by the government during the ongoing autumn session of the 10th Meghalaya Assembly.
Meghalaya has been without education policy for over 46 years after the state was created in 1972.
The first draft State Education Policy, 2018 was based on a comprehensive analysis of the education sector in the state and evolved out of numerous consultations held with national and state level experts, practitioners, administrators, and key stakeholders.
The education policy, which was finalised by a 24-member Task Force, would also address the problem of having different categories of schools and teachers in the state.

Indian satellite-linked GPS module launched for Navigation

Ramakrishna Electro Component Pvt Ltd Group (REC), an India-based semiconductor distribution company, launched a Vehicle Tracking System (VTS), the first of its kind module that will primarily use an Indian satellite for navigation.
The company’s UTRAQ brand which is manufactured by Shanghai Mobiletek is an endeavour to provide an alternative to the Indian customers from the currently used GPS application that is working on US Satellites.
Major change anticipating is that the VTS industry will be changing their designs as in the coming year it will be mandatory from the government to use Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) device.
Two UTRAQ models L100 and L110 were launched and are planning to start mass production of the products soon in India under ‘Make In India’ programme.

FACTFILE – Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS)

The Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), with an operational name of NAVIC (NAVigation with Indian Constellation), is an autonomous regional satellite navigation system that provides accurate real-time positioning and timing services.
It covers India and a region extending 1,500 km (930 mi) around it, with plans for further extension. An Extended Service Area lies between the primary service area and a rectangle area enclosed by the 30th parallel south to the 50th parallel north and the 30th meridian east to the 130th meridian east, 1,500–6,000 km beyond borders.
The system at present consists of a constellation of seven satellites, with two additional satellites on ground as stand-by.
NAVIC will provide two levels of service, the “standard positioning service”, which will be open for civilian use, and a “restricted service” (an encrypted one) for authorized users (including military).
There are plans to expand NavIC system by increasing constellation size from 7 to 11

Tamil Nadu Govt. started scheme for protection of exotic Neela Kurinji plants

Tamil Nadu government has announced a Scheme for the protection of exotic Neelakurinji (Strobilanthus kunthianus) plants that flower only once in 12 years.
This scheme comes following complaints that these rare and ecologically unique flowers are being packaged and sold on the commercial basis.

FACTFILE – Neelakurinji plant

Neelakurinji is a tropical plant species, it is native to the Shola forests in Western Ghats and is also found in Shevroys Hills in Eastern Ghats, Anamalai hills and Sanduru hills.
The flowers of Neelakurinji are purple-blue in colour and because of these flowers, Nilgiri hills on the southern tip of Western Ghats are called blue mountains.
It is a rarest of rare plant species that grows in Western Ghats and does not grow in any other part of the world has been categorized as an endangered species.

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Tourism Policy of Assam 2017 – Assam Economy

Posted on September 21, 2018February 10, 2019 by admin

Tourism Policy of Assam 2017 - Assam Economy

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Tourism Policy of Assam 2017

Assam has unique natural beauty with very rich bio-diversity, historical monuments, tea gardens and its colourful cultural festivals. All these are perfect ingredient to make Assam one of the best destination of the tourists but it is still far below the potential level, mainly due to various reasons ranging from natural and geographical to negligence of government.

Of the tourism sector in Assam, natural parks and sanctuaries, rivers, lakes, warm water springs, forests, wild life, are the principal components of attraction in the state. State Govt. of Assam have been undertaking various tourism projects for infrastructure building as well as schemes for marketing and promotion of Assam Tourism. Assam Govt has formulated the Tourism Policy of Assam 2017 to boost the tourism sector of the state.

The policy will be eff ective from 1/1/2018 and will be valid for a period of 5 years, i.e. up to 31/12/2022. All eligible new tourism units, which commence commercial operation within the period of validity will be eligible for the incentives from the Date of commencement of commercial operation for the period applicable for each incentive as specified.

Vision
Assam becomes a Nationally and Internationally acclaimed all-season Tourist destination for its unique wildlife, bio-diversity and experience of an unexploited wonderland. Tourism is to be one of the main sources of income-generation for the people. It will also be a vibrant and significant contributor to the sustainable development of the State of Assam.

Mission

To bring in maximum footfalls to Assam.
To promote Assam Tourism with a new approach of vigorous massive campaigning.
To build a global brand ‘Awesome Assam’ to attract National and International Tourist.
In keeping with “Act East Policy” of Central Government, we will have close collaboration with other neighboring countries like Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos Vietnam, South Korea, Japan, China & other South East Asian Countries harping on the similarities of these communities with the people of Assam.
Identify most popular and attractive tourist destinations and develop tourist Infrastructure in an around them.
To encourage Responsible Tourism (RT) in the state with a view to preserving environment eco-systems in keeping with Sustainable Development Goals.
To facilitate extensive involvement of private sector and active participation of local community in all aspects of Tourism promotion.
To create an investment friendly atmosphere for promotion of Tourism by making full use of Ease of Doing Business.
To ensure safety and security of the tourists.
To promote Spiritual Tourism centering on Kamakhya Temple as India’s most powerful Shakti-
Peeth highlighting Ambubachi Mela.
To promote Wildlife Tourism centering on one-horned Rhinoceros.
To promote Tea Tourism of Assam.
Promote Film Tourism by developing single Window clearances and providing incentive to film
makers.

Objectives:

To make Assam a tourist Hub for North East India.
To market Assam as a hot destination for the tourists from East & South East Asian Countries.
To leverage innovative forms of Tourism such as Cruises, Ethnic Tourism, Tea & Golf, leisure Tourism, Transit Tourism, Adventure Tourism and Monsoon Tourism.
To develop positive, Tourist friendly and reciprocative culture among local tour operators, guides and hospitality providers.
To upgrade skill, quality and professionalism of all service providers connected with tourism.
Developing Assam into an all season tourist destination.
To focus on benefits for the Community from tourism.
To create enabling environment for investment.

Strategies:

Assam Tourism website – An interactive and fully comprehensive website of Assam Tourism will be launched wherein all required information for any prospective domestic or international tourist will be readily available
at the click of the mouse.
A vigorous campaigning through social media such as Facebook, You-Tube, Twitter, Blogging
sites will be launched to attract the younger up-coming generation of Tourists.
Regular Meet with the National and International Tour Operators Association & Hoteliers & Restaurateurs Association will be organized. Fam tours will also be organized regularly.
Building Brand – A comprehensive marketing strategy will be chalked out in consultation with professional agencies.
A brand image of Assam as “Awesome Assam” will be created portraying the states uniqueness and exotic beauty.
A renowned celebrity will be roped in as brand Ambassador of Awesome Assam. A blitz-Krieg National & International Promotional Campaign shall be launched to build “Awesome Assam brand through newspapers life style magazines, in-flight magazines, TV advertisements, Talk shows, Road shows, Travel marts and Tourism stalls and kiosks etc.
A total NE perspective in tourism planning, where the strength of each state complement each other is beneficial to all and is a constructive way forward for tourism promotion. Assam will play a proactive role to develop such a wide view of tourism promotion through coordination among the states in creating zonal and regional circuits.
Wildlife Tourism – An attractive feature of the Assam’s forests is its colorful wildlife. Some of the species are exclusive to the state. Assam is famous as the home of one-horned rhinoceros which is its unique selling point apart from the fauna.
Though most of the domestic and international tourists are drawn towards Kaziranga and this heritage site has got best tourist facilities with private participation, yet the Government will develop infrastructure around individual Wildlife sanctuaries such as Manas, Pabitora, Orang, Pani Dihing, Barail and Nameri at Dibru-Saikhowa across Assam to accommodate tourists and resort to aggressive marketing to position Assam as Wildlife destination of the world. The Quality of Tourist facilities will be improved and proper tourist information centers will be established in each place.

Spiritual Tourism

After wildlife, it is the spiritual tourism which attracts pilgrim tourists to Assam. Centered around the famous Shakti-peeth, Kamakhya Temple atop Nilachal hill top, the religious/spiritual tourism can catapult Assam into a major spiritual tourism destination in the country.
A brand Nilachal will be developed in the next five years in an integrated manner utilizing Government of India funds under PRASAD scheme. The Government will endeavour to help put in place best practices for the Management of the Temple.
Annual four day Ambubasi Mela at Kamakhya temple during the month of June has come to be known as Mahakumbh of the East where lakhs of people and sadhus congregate. This shall be highlighted in publicity campaigns in domestic tourist circuits with an appropriate tagline giving forceful punch to spiritual tourism.
Hajo is another centre where people from three religions- Hindu, Muslim and Buddhists converge for pilgrimage. It has always been symbol of communal harmony for the country and will continue to be projected as such. Hajo will also be linked with Guwahati city tour.
“Sankardev Trail” or “Vaishnav- Trail”– projecting Vaishnavite cultural proliferation in Assam will be developed in Barpeta-Bordua-Majuli. A number of Museums depicting the life of the great saint & reformer and development of neo-vaishnavism will be set up with the help of the Government. A number of local souvenirs, local handicrafts and cuisines will be developed and managed by the Local entrepreneurs.
Efforts shall be directed for preparing Buddhist circuit in the State to woo large number of Buddhist pilgrims.

Ethnic Tourism

Assam is a home land of various ethnic tribes and groups, each having its own cultural heritage.
Ethnic Tourist circuits will be developed to attract the tourists from all over the world. The ethnic socio-cultural and religious festivals will be organized where Songs and dances, display of colourful dresses, tasting of innumerable varieties of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes is the main feature.

Tea & Golf Tourism

Since discovery of tea in 1823, tea-gardens have become an integral part of Assam’s landscape. Each of these thousands of lush green tea gardens in Assam is a treasure house of exotic beauty of nature with colourful people and their enchanting songs and dances, sprawling bungalows, and residential facilities. Many of these tea gardens have polo fields and golf courses.
Therefore, coordination with the management of the tea gardens can effectively n promote tea tourism in the state. Tourism Department will engage and persuade some of the willing tea gardens to be a partner in tea tourism packages.
There are about 20 key golf courses located mostly within the compact arear of tea gardens. These off er a unique opportunity to develop golf tourism in the state. Most of the courses are located near the airstrips and helipads maintained by the tea garden management.

River Tourism

The State of Assam has an extensive river network. Brahmaputra is intrinsic to the socio-cultural life in Assam. Colorful canal barges, boating, luxury cruisers, motor boats, dolphin shows, under water-world, water sports and lighters, para sailing, river rafting, water amusements and more.
International standard of luxury cruises can be a great driver to draw more domestic and international tourist traffic to Assam.
Ethnic tourism on both banks of river with infrastructure and on-shore linkages for night halts from Guwahati to Majuli will be put in place by promoting ethnic tourism.
Government will promote river taxi services between the North and South banks at Brahmaputra at places of touristic interest.

Transit Tourism

Guwahati is not only a tourist destination but also is perceived as a halt or the entry-point to the north eastern states. It is a city from where one could connect to other parts of Assam or get in and out of the northeast. On an average, a tourist spends about 2 days in transit which could be turned as a great opportunity to promote Guwahati City based Tourism titled as ‘One day in Guwahati’ or ‘Two days in Guwahati’.
Government will also promote Night Life in and around Guwahati city like nightclubs, malls, pubs, bars, sports bar and indoor gaming etc through the Private Sector.

Adventure Tourism

The enchanting blue hills and speedy rivers of Assam provide and enormous scope for the development of water based adventure tourism. Adventure sports activities like rock-climbing, trekking, para-sailing, water sports, river rafting and angling are promoted by the Department of Tourism. Tourism Department will join hands with Adventure Institute of Sports Department to design various adventure activities at tourist sites catering to tourists in particular. This will generate a lot of employment opportunities for local youths.

Monsoon & Leisure Tourism

Assam has early onset of Monsoon, generally beginning from 15th of May, the comparatively cooler climate and fulsome rains coupled with summer vacations in other parts of the country is a major advantage for Assam to attract domestic travellers. ‘The Monsoon Country’ tag and proximity to Cherrapunjee, the wettest place on earth and discounts in luxury hotels, cottages, homestays and huts-on-stilts will obliterate seasonality in Assam Tourism and generate revenue throughout the year.
Leisure tourism activities during on or off season will be developed in the state through private sector participation which includes Gaming Centers, Nightclubs, Discotheques, Five Star Resorts, Malls, Pubs, Sports bars, Adventure Parks, Amusement parks, Yoga and Ayurvedic Spas, Bird watching, Angling, Fairs & Festivals etc.

Eco Tourism

Eco-tourism is also a new concept, developed around the idea of travelling to places of natural beauty, moving around and staying with the places of nature for a couple of days.
It has the twin objectives of conserving environment and improving the welfare of the local people.
Assam has immense scope for eco-tourism. The state is virtually free from industrial pollution. Its green forests, blue hills, enchanting rivers are the basis on which eco-friendly tourism can be developed. For that a host of matters to be properly addressed.

Medical Tourism

The rapidly growing healthcare sector in state capital Guwahati has gradually started to attract international patients not only from neighboring countries such as Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh but also from far-off countries, especially African nations.
From a place of primary healthcare centers, dispensaries and clinics, the city has now expanded itself into a hub of critical care, multi-specialty and super-specialty centers. Health sector experts attribute this emerging trend to low-cost treatment, quality healthcare infrastructure and availability of skilled doctors.
State can inject a dose of conventional transit tourism to a patient’s itinerary by taking the patients and escorts in and around Guwahati for a day or two.

Mining Tourism

The history of coal mining in the region of Assam dates back to the later part of the 19th century by the erstwhile Assam Railway and Trading Company (AR&T). Assam will also develop Mine Tourism in the eastern Coal fields and oil fields of the State.

Promotion of Film Tourism

Single Window Clearance System to film makers, serial producers, documentary makers etc.
Assam shall motivate reputed filmmakers of Hindi / English / other foreign languages for film shooting in Assam through attractive incentives.
Assam Tourism shall organize Regional, National and International Film festivals in suitable Tourist destinations to promote Film Tourism, with the assistance of Cultural Affairs Department.

Identification of tourist destinations /spots and circuits.

For each individual category of tourism such as Nature & Wildlife, Spiritual, Tea & Golf, Eco, Ethnic, Monsoon, Adventure etc diff erent Tourist destinations and tourist circuits shall be identified. For example, Jatinga valley and Majuli can be destinations for Ethnic Tourism.

Development of Tourism infrastructure.

A tourism destination must deliver quality service, environment and customer satisfaction to a tourist. Our endeavor should be to deliver a feel good experience to all categories of tourists which can be achieved only by providing quality basic amenities at the destinations. This shall include services in hotels, restaurants, places of interests, up-keep and maintenance.
A District Level Tourism Committee under the Chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner of district shall work to ensure co-ordination among the working executives of line departments and also look after community involvement.
The Tourism Department will depend on the local self-government such as Panchayat or Town Committees/ Municipalities in ensuring day to day upkeep and maintenance, cleanliness and hygiene, promotion of local cuisines, culture & handicrafts in Tourist localities.
Bhramyamaan or Mobile Theatre is the single largest entertainment sector of Assam and rarely found in other states of the country should be integrated with the Tourism sector.

Community involvement in Tourism

Participation and the acceptance of local community is the key to make Tourism a success. Tourism development at any destination should first benefit the local community in terms of economic and social gains. The economic objective of Tourism industry is basically generating employment opportunities for the local population. Increased incomes will help local people to enjoy better standard of life which will have an enabling eff ect on the community to live in harmony with their surroundings.
The Department will run awareness programmes on Responsible Tourism among the populace living in the vicinity with help of Local Management Committees.
The Department will also facilitate Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP) through IIE and Employment Generation Mission (EGM) to develop local entrepreneurs.
The department shall do a mapping of Local Handicrafts, Art work etc which are fast disappearing and would like to restore and promote among the new generation artisans as such preventing its extinction.
Tourist Information Officers (TIOs) and Assistant Tourist Information Officers (ATIO’s) shall be appropriately re-designated and will be given special responsibilities and powers to act as Tourist Warden.

Skill Development

There is a large gap between demand and supply of skilled manpower in the tourism sector. A detailed study on HRD in tourism sector in Assam is required to highlight the education system in travel, tourism and hospitality.
Attempts would be made to facilitate common standards, uniformity and harmony in curriculum, faculty qualification and education delivery.
Attempts would be directed towards making the hospitality and tourism sector a popular career option by providing skills that can bring attractive wage offers.
Local youths including women, differently-abled and Scheduled Caste & Scheduled Tribe category shall be trained in skill development courses.
Tourism Department shall give financial assistance in the form of reimbursement of course fees for the selected courses up-to 100%. The criteria for selection and financial assistance will be decided by the Government.

Local Transport Improvement

Transport from airport, railway stations, bus stations or any other point of disembarkation up-to the tourist destination and between the destinations is the most crucial factor from tourist point of view.
Safe, secure and reliable Transport Services are of outmost importance.
Pre-paid and meter taxi services to the destinations shall be regulated through transport department. The taxis
may carry the logo of tourism department once all standards and certifications are made.
Certification process for tourist drivers shall be made mandatory. The drivers, handymen shall be trained to behave appropriately with tourists and can also work as tourist guides. Special training programme for the drivers in the Airport must be organized on a regular basis.
Investment in transport services to places which are difficult to access like riverine islands (Majuli), hillocks, and hills. Such services could be river taxis, helicopters, hovercrafts, ropeways etc.

Development of Wayside amenities

Development of modern wayside amenities with public conveniences at interval of about 40 kms in major roads and also at the tourist destinations is the need of the hour. These facilities should consist of food joints with local /ethnic /continental cuisines, grocery shop, medical stores, coffee shops, play area for children and good, clean lavatories etc.

Managing Resources for Tourism

Wildlife Tourism is the most important component of Assam. It is imperative that the tourism Department is totally dependent on Forest and Environment Department for Wildlife Tourism. Hence, Tourism Department will take steps to augment eco-friendly initiatives of Forest Department to provide Tourists a wholesome experience while earning revenues with involvement of local community.
The success of Spiritual tourism centered on Kamakhya Temple, Ambubashi Mela, Hajo, Siva Doul in Sivasagar etc depends upon the involvement of local Self Government Boards. Hence, Tourism Department will work in tandem with the local bodies and other departments to increase tourist experience at the local level.
Adventure Tourism is linked with the Sports Department. Tourism Department will work in close co-ordination with the Adventure Institute of Sports Department to improve Tourist facilities and existing resources.

Tourist centric approach

A 24×7 centralized Tourist Helpline Number shall be activated for tourist information, safety and security in multiple languages. This helpline number will be displayed prominently in all Tourists spots and also on the way side amenities.
Home Department will be persuaded to set up tourist Police Stations and Tourist Police patrolling at important tourist destinations.
Enhancing local experience of tourist. Numerous monuments dating back to the medieval period to the 19th century reflect the Burmese architectural style as well as that of the mainland.
Department will encourage the Hoteliers and Restaurateurs to provide local cuisines to be served in traditional styles. Local youths shall be trained as Chefs and cooks.
The Tourism department will encourage ARTFED, JAGARAN, and other local self -help groups of Artisans to open Souvenir and Handicraft shops at all prominent destinations. Panchayat and Local Bodies shall allow spaces at concessional rates to the Artisans to open these out-lets.

Promotion of Environment Friendly Practices

The Government shall ensure strict enforcement of the provisions of this act to make water bodies of tourist importance such as Deepor beel and Charan beel free from nuisance.
Department will ban the use of disposable plastic bags, plastics cups, plates etc completely at Tourist places.

Ease of Doing Business in Tourism

A single window clearance system will be developed to facilitate fast track clearance of all required approvals/permission for film shooting in Assam.

Active collaboration with Central Govt. and proper implementation of Central Schemes

Tourism Department shall actively collaborate with Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Urban Development, Ministry of Skill Development, Ministry of External Aff airs, and Ministry of Commerce, NITI Ayog, Archeological Survey of India and other ministries.

Public Private Participation (PPP) in Tourism

Existing tourism infrastructure manned by ATDC/Assam Tourism shall be given to Private sector for operation and management.
Wayside Amenities such as Information Kiosks, Souvenir Shops, Public toilets, dhabas on tourism routes and at tourism destinations shall be developed in PPP mode.
Development of River Cruise, On-shore infrastructure on Brahmaputra, Golf Course-cum-Resort and Convention Centre.

Standardization and Certification

To promote sustainable development of the tourism industry and to prevent unplanned mushroom growth of tourism related activities, the State Government will put in place a regulatory mechanism.

Annual Excellence Awards

To recognize and encourage excellence in tourism services and tourism products in the state, Tourism department shall institute annual Excellence Awards for various categories.

ICT Measures in Tourism

The Government shall promote ICT enabled technologies through mobile applications, social networking sites, tourism blogs and virtual tourism under Digital India Programme.
Major Tourist destinations will be equipped with CCTV cameras, wi-fi services and mobile based services to ensure tourist safety and security as of paramount importance.

Connecting Highways to South East Asian Nations

In tune with ACT EAST policy of the Government of India and to exploit fully the opportunities for tourism expansion opened up by the Trans-Asian Highway, particular attention will be given to connect the destinations by good all weather road links from this highway. The road connectivity of the North-West of South East Asia (i.e. Assam) to South-East Asian counties via Myanmar and Thailand to Singapore, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam will open floodgate for the tourists from these countries.
Initiatives for improvement of air connectivity from diff erent countries like Tokyo-Seoul-Beijing etc. shall be taken up for the benefit of tourists.

Incentives to tourism sector

Tourism shall be accorded industry status in Assam and all facilities & incentives applicable to Industries shall be available to Tourism Industry also.
The newly launched Scheme of “Amar Alohi” is the flagship scheme of Government of Assam to promote sustainable tourism and provide employment opportunities in semi urban and rural areas through Home Stay Schemes. It will provide subsidy for construction of new home stay units in the tourism potential areas of semi urban and rural Assam. The newly constructed homestays will also have sustained and regular training mechanism.
Financial grant to Hindi / English / foreign language Cinema makers who have produced minimum 5 feature films with country wide audience and having the following criteria –

a) Minimum 25 % of the entire shooting of the feature film in Assam
b) At least 25 % of cast & crew should be from Assam
c) Should get an U or UA certificate by Censor Board.

Cash grant amounting to 25 % of Qualified Production Expenditure (QPE) or Rs 1 crore, whichever is less. Number of films to be covered will depend on budgetary provision for the year.
Free Counseling at Tourism Incubation Centre at ATDC for promotion of tourist business and entrepreneurship.

Subsidies

In order to promote industrialization in the North Eastern Region, the Government of India has been announcing various Industrial and Investment promotion policies from time to time. The state Government shall take initiative for extending all such benefits/incentives etc. to the tourism sector also in addition to the Govt. of India’s Scheme.
State Government proposes to provide the following incentives to eligible tourism units.

(i) A new tourism unit which commences its commercial operation during the validity of this policy i.e. from 1/1/2018 to 31/12/2022 with a minimum investment of Rs.100 lakhs in the Tourism locations, shall be entitled to reimbursement of 50% of net SGST paid for a period of ten years from the date of such commercial operation subject to maximum of 100% of fixed capital investment.
(ii) of 30% of capital investment subject to a ceiling of Rs.1 crore shall be available for Tourist lodges, Hotels, Resorts, Houseboats and floating Restaurant and located in tourism locations.
(iii) 25% of the cost payable to Assam State Power Distribution Company Ltd. (APDCL) for drawal of power line to the eligible units including the cost of transformer subject to a ceiling of Rs.10 lakhs.
(iv) 75% of the cost of construction of approach road to the premises of eligible units shall be reimbursed in the form of a subsidy subject to a ceiling of Rs. 10 lakhs.
(v) Private sector will be encouraged to proactively participate and invest in tourist places in the Tourism sector. A special incentive will be off ered as additional 10% capital grant upto Rs.25 lakhs for investment in remote/potential tourist destination of Assam.
(vi) For private properties in Tourism sector, both existing and new, 25% of investment on renewal sources of energy will be reimbursed subject to maximum of Rs.10 lakhs.

Implementation and Monitoring

Following Committees are constituted for scrutiny of the applications and to approve the deserving cases for the issuance of Eligibility Certificate for the entire fiscal and tax incentives under this Policy.
Director Level Committee to consider grant of Eligibility Certificate for incentives under this policy for new Tourism units:

1. Director Tourism, Assam Chairman
2. Managing Director ATDC Vice Chairman
3. Representative of Deputy Commissioner of the concerned district Member
4. Representative of concerned Autonomous council Member
5. Finance & Accounts officer of the Tourism Department Member
6. Officer of APDCL Member
7. Representative of Tourism Department Government of Assam Member
8. Senior most Deputy Director Tourism Member Secretary

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Assam Current Affairs September 15-21, 2018

Posted on September 21, 2018October 8, 2018 by admin

Current Affairs Assam –  September 15-21, 2018

( Covers all important Assam Current Affairs & GK topics for the week of September 15-21, 2018 )

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September 15

Over 37 lakh women benefited under Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana

More than 37 lakh women have been benefited across the country under the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s maternity scheme, Pradhan MantriMatruVandanaYojana, said Ministry of Women and Child Development.
A fund of Rs 1,168.63 crore has been disbursed so far and more than 48 lakh women have enrolled under the scheme till September 13.
As per the of Ministry of Women and Child Development, Uttar Pradesh has been ranked best among the top performing states, with around 6 lakh beneficiaries out of more than 8 lakh enrolled women.
Madhya Pradesh has the second most women enrolled under the scheme which is around 7 lakh while beneficiaries paid stood near to 6 lakh. Followed by MP is Rajasthan which has around 5 lakh women enrolled while paid is close to 4 lakh.

FACTFILE – Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY),

Previously Indira Gandhi MatritvaSahyogYojana (IGMSY), is a maternity benefit program run by the government of India.
It was introduced in 2010 and is implemented by the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
It is a conditional cash transfer scheme for pregnant and lactating women of 19 years of age or above for the first live birth. It provides a partial wage compensation to women for wage-loss during childbirth and childcare and to provide conditions for safe delivery and good nutrition and feeding practices.
Under the scheme, eligible beneficiaries get Rs. 5,000 after delivery of a child in an institution like a hospital and the remaining cash incentive of Rs. 1,000 is given as maternity benefit under the Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) for a Rs. 6,000.
In 2013, the scheme was brought under the National Food Security Act, 2013 to implement the provision of cash maternity benefit of ₹6,000 (US$84) stated in the Act.
Presently, the scheme is implemented on a pilot basis in 53 selected districts and proposals are under consideration to scale it up to 200 additional ‘high burden districts’ in 2015-16.

Delhi signs MoU with Seoul on environment transport

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Seoul Metropolitan Government on environment, transport, education, solid waste management, infrastructure, public health among others.
The MoU was signed in South Korea’s capital Seoul.
Air pollution is a major issue faced by Delhi today and our government is very serious in tackling this menace.
Delhi faces smog every winter sometimes very severe.

Union Ministry of Tourism inaugurated First Tribal Circuit Project in Chhattisgarh

Union Ministry of Tourism has inaugurated India’s first Tribal Circuit Project connecting 13 tourism sites in Chhattisgarh under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme. The circuit connects Jashpur, Kunkuri, Mainpat, Kamleshpur, Maheshpur, Kurdar, Sarodadadar, Gangrel, Kondagaon, Nathiya Nawagaon, Jagdalpur, Chitrakoot, and Tirthgarh in Chhattisgarh.

FACTFILE – Tribal Circuit Project

It is carrying out an array of activities for development and promotion of tourism in the tribal region.
Major components sanctioned under tribal circuit project in Chhattisgarh includes developing eco log huts, craft haats, souvenir shops, open amphitheatre, tribal interpretation centres, workshop centres, tourist amenities centres, viewpoints, nature trails, solar illuminations etc.
These components will improve the existing tourist facilities, enhance the overall tourist experience and help in getting more visitors which in return will increase job opportunities in the area.
Chhattisgarh was considered for the first Tribal Circuit theme for acknowledging the sovereignty of tribes and to promote the rich and diverse primitive assets in the state.
Chhattisgarh is known for its exceptional scenic beauty and rich cultural heritage. Tribes make up over one-third of state population who have retained their culture and traditions for centuries.
Under Tribal Circuit theme of Swadesh Darshan Scheme, Tourism Ministry has sanctioned four projects to Nagaland, Telangana and Chhattisgarh for Rs. 381.37 crore.

FACTFILE – Swadesh Darshan scheme

The scheme was launched by Union Tourism Ministry with an objective to develop theme-based tourist circuits in the country.
These tourist circuits will be developed on principles of high tourist value, competitiveness and sustainability in an integrated manner.
Under this scheme, 13 thematic circuits have been identified for development, viz. Buddhist Circuit, North-East India Circuit, Coastal Circuit, Himalayan Circuit, Krishna Circuit, Desert Circuit, Eco Circuit, Wildlife Circuit, Tribal Circuit, Rural Circuit, Spiritual Circuit, Ramayana Circuit and Heritage Circuit.
It is 100% centrally funded scheme for the project components undertaken for public funding.
It also has a provision for leveraging voluntary funding under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives of Central Public Sector Undertakings and corporate sector.
The funding of projects under this scheme varies from state to state.
It is finalised on the basis of detailed project reports prepared by Programme Management Consultant (PMC) which is a national level consultant for implementing the scheme.
So far, Tourism Ministry has sanctioned 74 projects worth Rs. 5997.47 crore to 31 states and Union Territories under this scheme.

Agri. Ministry launched Dairy Processing & Infrastructure Development Fund Scheme

Union Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare has launched Dairy Processing & Infrastructure Development Fund (DIDF) Scheme with an outlay of Rs. 10881 crore, to boost the dairy sector. First installment of Rs. 440 crore was given to National Dairy Development Board (NDDB).

FACTFILE – Dairy Processing & Infrastructure Development Fund (DIDF) Scheme

It is managed by NDDB and will be implemented from 2017-18 to 2028-29.
Milk unions, multi-state milk cooperatives, state dairy federations, milk producer companies and NDDB subsidiaries can avail financial assistance under this scheme.
It will be also used for creation, modernisation and expansion of processing infrastructure and manufacturing faculties for value-added dairy products.
The scheme will provide direct and indirect employment to many skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled workers and benefit 95,00,000 farmers in about 50,000 villages.

September 16

International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer observed on 16^th September

The International Day for Preservation of Ozone Layer is observed every year on 16^th September for the preservation of the Ozone Layer. Theme for this year’s Day is ‘Keep Cool and Carry On: The Montreal Protocol’.
It aims to spread awareness of the depletion of the Ozone Layer and search for solutions to preserve it.
The day was designated by UN General Assembly on December 19, 1994. Its observance commemorates the date in 1987 on which Montreal Protocol was signed on substances that deplete the ozone layer.

FACTFILE – Ozone Layer

The Ozone layer is a blanket of Ozone gas which protects Earth from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation of Sun and thus helping preserve life on the planet.
Stratospheric Ozone is not harmful but its presence on land it is harmful.
The main causes of ozone depletion are manufactured halocarbon refrigerants, solvents, propellants and foam-blowing agents (chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), HCFCs, halons), which are called as Ozone-Depleting Substances (ODS).

FACTFILE -Montreal Protocol or Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer

It is an international treaty designed to protect the ozone layer by phasing out production of numerous Ozone Depleting Substances (ODSs) that are responsible for ozone depletion.
It was agreed on 26 August 1987 in Montreal, Canada and entered into force on 26 August 1989.
Under this protocol, production and consumption of key ODSs like chlorofluorocarbon (CFCs), Methyl Chloroform, CTC halons and Methyl Bromide have been phased-out globally.
It is legally binding on the member countries.
It has been ratified by 197 parties making it a universally ratified protocol in UN history.
It is also a highly successful international arrangement, as it has phased-out more than 95% of the ODS so far as per its main mandate in less than 30 years of its existence, which helped in recovering the ozone hole in Antarctica.

FACTFILE – Vienna Convention for Protection of the Ozone Layer

It is a multilateral environmental agreement agreed upon at the 1985 Vienna Conference and entered into force in 1988.
It is one of the most successful treaties of all time in terms of universality.
It acted as a framework for international efforts to protect the fragile ozone layer.
These are laid out in accompanying Montreal Protocol.

PM Narendra Modi launches nationwide ‘Swachhata Hi Seva’ Movement

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launches nationwide Swachhata Hi Seva Movement, which is organized as run up to the fourth anniversary of Swachh Bharat Mission on 2^nd
The mass movement will strengthen the efforts to fulfil Mahatma Gandhi’s dream of a Clean India.

FACTFILE – Swachh Bharat Abhiyan

Swachh Bharat Abhiyan or Mission is a campaign in India that aims to clean up the streets, roads and infrastructure of India’s cities, smaller towns, and rural areas.
The mission aims to achieve an Open-Defecation Free (ODF) India by 2 October 2019, the 150th anniversary of the birth of Mahatma Gandhi, by constructing 90 million toilets in rural India at a projected cost of ₹1.96 lakh crore (US$30 billion).
The mission will also help India reaching Sustainable Development Goal Number 6 (SDG 6).

FACTFILE – Sustainable Development Goal (SGD)

Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG6 or SDG 6), one of 17 Sustainable Development Goals established by the UN in 2015. It calls for clean water and sanitation for all people.
“Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.” It has eight targets to be achieved by at least 2030.
SDG6 has eight targets. Six of them are to be achieved by the year 2030, one by the year 2020 and one has no target year. In total there are 11 indicators for SDG6.

Cabinet Committee approves 100% electrification of Railways by 2021-22

Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved for electrification of all broad gauge routes of Indian Railways by the year 2021-22.
The 100% electrification will reduce use of imported fossil fuels thereby improve energy security. Reduction in consumption of high speed diesel oil will also result in reduction of GHG emissions, thus, reduce environmental impact of Railways.
Currently, around 48% of the country’s 61,680 km broad gauge railway network is electrified. And this approval is to covers only electrifying remaining 13,675 kilometers (16,540 track kilometers), and it does not cover 3,479 km of metre gauge and 2,209 of broad gauge network.
After completing the electrification, India will be having second largest electrified railway networks in the world after China, which has 87,000 km electrified network (around 68% of its network) and only large railway with 100 % electrification.

DRDO successfully flight-tests man-portable anti-tank missile

India’s Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has conducted the first successful test firing of a new indigenously designed and developed man portable anti-tank guided missile (MPATGM) at the Ahmednagar test range. It was followed by another MPATGM test launch on September 16.
The two missions on 15 and 16 September 2018 have been successfully flight tested for different ranges including the maximum range capability.
The MPATGM is a third-generation anti-tank guided missile (ATGM), which has been under development by DRDO in partnership with Indian defense contractor VEM Technologies Ltd. since 2015. Fitted with a high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) warhead, the MPATGM reportedly boasts a top attack capability and has a maximum engagement range of about 2.5 kilometers.

FACTFILE – The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)

DRDO is charged with the military’s research and development, headquartered in New Delhi, India.
It was formed in 1958 by the merger of the Technical Development Establishment and the Directorate of Technical Development and Production with the Defence Science Organisation.
It is under the administrative control of the Ministry of Defence, Government of India.
With a network of 52 laboratories, which are engaged in developing defence technologies covering various fields, like aeronautics, armaments, electronics, land combat engineering, life sciences, materials, missiles, and naval systems.
DRDO is India’s largest and most diverse research organization, having around 5,000 scientists belonging to the Defence Research & Development Service (DRDS) and about 25,000 other scientific, technical and supporting personnel.

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Assam Current Affairs – September 8-14 , 2018

Posted on September 19, 2018October 8, 2018 by admin

Current Affairs Assam – September 8-14, 2018

( Covers all important Assam Current Affairs & GK topics for the week of September 8-14, 2018 )

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September 8

Japan to conduct world’s first test of space elevator

Japanese researchers will conduct the world’s first experiment to test a prototype of a space elevator in space by using two mini satellites.
The test equipment will be launched by Japan’s space agency on board of H-2B rocket from the southern island of Tanegashima.
Two ultra-small cubic satellites developed by Shizuoka University Faculty of Engineering will be used for demonstration of space elevator technology. Each satellite measures 10 centimeters on each side.
The pair of satellites will be released from the International Space Station (ISS) and the container acting like elevator car will be moved on a cable connecting satellites using motor.

FACTFILE – Space Elevator

It is a proposed type of planet-to-space transportation system.
Its components mainly are cable anchored to the surface of the planet and extending into space.
It will permit vehicles to travel along cable from planetary surface, without the use of large rockets.
The idea of space elevator was first proposed in 1895 by Russian scientist Konstantin Tsiolkovsky after he saw the Eiffel Tower in Paris and later by Arthur C. Clarke.
The one end of the cable of space elevator will be attached near to surface and the other end in space beyond the geostationary orbit.
Once cable (tether) is deployed at a fixed position, climbers can repeatedly climb it to venture into space by mechanical means, releasing their cargo to orbit.

Airtel Payments Bank enables card-less withdrawal at ATMs

Airtel Payments Bank started card-less withdraw of cash at ATMs across the country without using the debit or credit card.The customers would be able to withdraw cash through mobile phone using USSD, a communication technology and the “MyAirtel” app.
Airtel Payments Bank has tied up with cloud-based payment solution provider, Empays, for the service.The bank would use Empays’ cardless technology, Instant Money Transfer (IMT) to provide the cardless withdrawal service.The customers can generate a cash withdrawal request which can be used for withdrawal at any of the IMT-enabled ATMs.

FACTFILE – Airtel Payments Bank

Airtel Payments BankLimited is a public limited company.
It was the first company in India to receive a payments bank license from the Reserve Bank of India.
Airtel Payments Bank is a joint venture between BhartiAirtel Ltd. and Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd..Kotak Mahindra Bank holds 19.9% stake in the Airtel Payments Bank.
AirTel Money is a digital wallet by AirTel Payment Bank that lets users make payments using “My Airtel app” or USSD.
Airtel mobile number is the account number of the wallet, so Airtel mobile number is mandatory to use the service.

Mega tree plantation launched by Delhi CM Kejriwal

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal 9^thsep launched a mega tree plantation drive by planting a sapling at the Yamuna floodplain in Usmanpur village, with thousands others joining him in the initiative.The government wants to plant 5 lakh trees and shrubs in the city in a day as part of the drive.
Around one lakh students and residents are participating in the campaign at 600 locations across the city to fight air pollution. A large number of school children attended the tree plantation event held at Yamuna flood plains at GarhiMandu in Usmanpur.
The Delhi government’s Environment and Forest Secretary A K Singh said the target is to plant 32.5 lakh trees in the current year. So far, around 15 lakh have been planted.

HDFC Bank raises MCLR across tenures, 1-year MCLR at 8.6%

HDFC Bank increased its marginal cost of funds based lending rate or MCLR by 20 basis points across tenures.
One basis point (1bps) is one-hundredth of a percentage point. Subsequent to the hike, bank’s one-year MCLR is 8.6%.
Earlier in this week, SBI, ICICI Bank and BOB hiked MCLR rate by 20, 15 and 5 bps, respectively.
The one-year MCLR at SBI stands at 8.45% while for ICICI Bank and BOB, the revised MCLR rate is same at 8.55%.
The rise in MCLR will make home, auto and other loans costlier for customers.

FACTFILE – Marginal Cost of Funds Based Lending Rate(MCLR)

The Marginal Cost Of Funds Based Lending Rate (MCLR) refers to minimum interest rate of a bank below which it cannot lend, except in some cases allowed by the RBI.
It is an internal benchmark or reference rate for the bank.
MCLR actually describes the method by which the minimum interest rate for loans is determined by a bank – on the basis of marginal cost or the additional or incremental cost of arranging one more rupee to the prospective borrower.
The MCLR methodology for fixing interest rates for advances was introduced by the Reserve Bank of India with effect from April 1, 2016. This new methodology replaces the base ratesystem introduced in July 2010.
Allrupee loans sanctioned and credit limits renewed w.e.f. April 1, 2016 would be priced with reference to the Marginal Cost of Funds based Lending Rate (MCLR) which will be the internal benchmark (means a reference rate determined internally by the bank) for such purposes.

September 9

RBI to auction state government securities for Rs 8650 crore

The Reserve Bank of India said that State Governments have offered to sell securities by way of auction for an aggregate amount of Rs 8650 crore. The auction will be conducted on the Reserve Bank of India Core Banking Solution (E-Kuber) system on September 11, 2018.
The Government Stock up to 10 per cent of the notified amount of the sale of each of the stock will be allotted to eligible individuals and institutions subject to a maximum limit of 1% of its notified amount for a single bid per stock as per the Scheme for Non-competitive Bidding Facility
Both competitive and non-competitive bids for the auction should be submitted in electronic format on the Reserve Bank of India Core Banking Solution (E-Kuber) system on September 11, 2018
The non-competitive bids should be submitted between 10.30 A.M. and 11.30 A.M. and the competitive bids should be submitted between 10.30 A.M. and 12.00 noon.
Securities will be issued for a minimum nominal amount of Rs. 10,000.00 and multiples of Rs. 10,000.00 thereafter.
The results of the auction will be announced on September 11, 2018 and payment by successful bidders will be made during banking hours on September 12, 2018 at Mumbai and at respective Regional Offices of RBI.

RBI as Banker to State Governments

All the State Governments are required to maintain a minimum balance with the Reserve Bank, which varies from state to state depending on the relative size of the state budget and economic activity.
To tide over temporary mismatches in the cash flow of receipts and payments, the Reserve Bank provides Ways and Means Advances/Overdraft to the State Governments.
The WMA scheme for the State Governments has provision for Special Drawing Facility (SDF) and Normal WMA. The SDF is extended against the collateral of the government securities held by the State Government.
To encourage the State’s participation to the Consolidated Sinking Fund and Guarantee Redemption Fund, incremental investments in these funds are also eligible to avail SDF.
After the SDF limit is exhausted, the State Government is provided a normal WMA. The normal WMA limits are based on three-year average of actual revenue and capital expenditure of the state.
The withdrawal beyond the WMA limit is considered an overdraft. A State Government account can be in overdraft for a maximum 14 consecutive working days with a limit of 36 days in a quarter.

India, Bulgaria signs five MoUs on various fields

India and Bulgaria on 5^th Sep signed five MoUs in the field of Investment, Tourism, Civil Nuclear Cooperation, Establishment of Hindi Chair at Sofia University and enhancing scientific cooperation.
The five important MoUs were signed following the detailed talks between Indian delegations led by President Kovind and Bulgarian delegations.
During the high-level meeting, President Ram Nath Kovind and his Bulgarian counterpart Rumen Radev held detailed talks on issues of mutual importance to the two countries including defence, IT sector and Make in India programme.
President Ram Nath Kovind was on a three-nation visit to Europe. During his three day visit to Cyprus, the two countries signed two very important agreements in the field of Combating Money Laundering and Cooperation in Environment.

FACTFILE – Bulgaria–India relations

Bulgaria has an embassy in New Delhi and honorary consulates in Hyderabad, Kolkata and Mumbai. The embassy is jointly accredited to Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, the Maldives and Bhutan, and also observes the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). India has an embassy in Sofia, that is also jointly accredited to Macedonia.
In mid-1954, preliminary negotiations were held between Bulgaria and India in Moscow, and diplomatic relations were established in December 1954.
Bulgaria opened a diplomatic mission (Legation) in New Delhi in April 1955. The mission was re-organized into an embassy in March 1961. India’s diplomatic representatives to Bulgaria resided in Belgrade and Bucharest from July 1955 until April 1970. India opened its embassy in Sofia in May 1970.
Indira Gandhi became the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Bulgaria in October 1967. TodorZhivkov was the first Bulgarian Prime Minister to visit India in January 1969.
The first bilateral protocol for trade exchange was signed between the two countries in New Delhi on 16 September 1956, and the first agreement for economic, scientific and technical cooperation was signed in Sofia on 2 May 1967. A Joint Commission for Economic, Scientific & Technical Cooperation (with sub-branches for machine-building, electronics, agriculture, chemistry, defense industry, food industry, etc.) was established in November 1973. In 1975, the first cultural agreement between Bulgaria and India.
Bilateral trade between Bulgaria and India totaled $218.3 million in 2014.

Dibrugarh wins Pradhan Mantri Matritva Vandana Yojana Award

Dibrugarh district bagged an award for its outstanding performance in implementation of the PradhanMantriMatritvaVandanaYojana in the country from the northeastern zone. The award, which was given in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, was announced by the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development.
The award was jointly received by DebeshwarMallakar, Director of Social Welfare Department, JyotirekhaBorgohain, District Social Welfare Officer and Ranu Borah, Child Development Project Officer of ICDS, Borborooah on behalf of the district.
The district stood second in overall performance.

FACTFILE – Pradhan Mantri Matritva Vandana Yojana

It is a maternity benefit programme run by the Government of India and implemented by the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development.
It is a conditional cash transfer scheme for pregnant and lactating women of 19 years of age or above for the first live birth.
It provides partial wage compensation to women for wage-loss during childbirth and childcare and to provide conditions for safe delivery and good nutrition, besides feeding practices.

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Assam Current Affairs – September 1-7, 2018

Posted on September 15, 2018October 8, 2018 by admin

Current Affairs Assam – September 1-7, 2018

( Covers all important Assam Current Affairs & GK topics for the week of September 1-7, 2018 )

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September 1

India opened Zokhawthar check-post in Mizoram, along the border with Myanmar

India has opened an immigration check-post in Mizoram along the border with Myanmar, a reflection of India’s growing closeness with the Myanmar.
The central government has designated Zokhawthar land check-post in Mizoram as an authorised immigration centre for entry into and exit from India with valid travel documents for all passengers to or from Myanmar.
Recently, India and Myanmar opened the land border crossing at Zokhawthar-Rih. Zokhawthar is in Champhai district of Mizoram, while Rih is in Myanmar’s Chin province.
Zokhawthar will be the second immigration check-post in Mizoram along the Myanmar border, after Zorinpui in Lawngtlai district, which was opened in September 2017.

FACTFILE – The India–Myanmar border

India shares a 1,643-km-long border with Myanmar which touches Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram and Manipur.
It is the fifth largest after Bangladesh (4,096.7 km), China (3,488 km), Pakistan (3,323 km) and Nepal (1,751km).
Imphal-Moreh-Mandalay national highway upgrade – In May 2017, the Indian Ministry of Road Transport and Highway stated that it plans to widen the 108 km Imphal-Moreh highway in Manipur which currently serves as an important trade route between India and Myanmar.
Mizoram-Kalemyo Highway is a new road planned by India. In May 2017, the Indian Ministry of Road Transport also plans to construct a 120 km highway linking Zokhawthar-Rih near Champhai, a border town in Mizoram, with the trilateral highway at Kalemyo.
India had long historical relationship with Myanmar, cultural exchanges included Buddhism and the Burmese script, which was based off the Indian Grantha script. In particular, Theravada Buddhism has tremendously influenced Burmese society and culture for millennia.
Myanmar was made a province of British India and again separated in 1937.
It was in Japanese-occupied Burma that Indian nationalist Subhas Chandra Bose delivered his “Give me blood and I will give you freedom!” slogan.

WHO South-East Asia meets in Delhi

11 Member countries of the World Health Organization’s South-East Asia Region are meeting in New Delhi from September 3 to 7 to discuss priority health issues in the region.
These 11 member countries will discuss measures to intensify action to eliminate malaria and improve access to essential medicines, besides addressing the increasing threat of dengue in the region, which is home to one-fourth of the world’s population.
Health ministers and senior officials from India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, North Korea, Indonesia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Timor-Leste, are expected to participate in the 71st session of the Regional Committee of WHO South-East Asia Region, the highest policy making body of WHO in the region.
The 11-Member countries of the Region which accounts for one-fourth of the global population, a disproportionate 58% of the global burden of Plasmodium vivax malaria, and is at increasing risk of dengue and other vector borne diseases in view of the increasing urbanization and climate change.
WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO South-East Asia Regional Director Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh, and WHO Deputy Director General Jane Elizabeth Ellison will be participating in the meeting, along with representatives of a number of partner organisations and civil society.

FACTFILE – World Health Organization (WHO)

The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that is concerned with international public health.
It was established on 7 April 1948, and is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.
The WHO is a member of the United Nations Development Group.
Its predecessor, the Health Organization, was an agency of the League of Nations.
The WHO is responsible for the World Health Report, the worldwide World Health Survey, and World Health Day.
The current Director-General of WHO is Tedros Adhanom.

Dr. B. K. Misra to receive Dr. B. C. ROY National Award

Eminent Doctor and Gamma Knife Radiosurgery specialist Dr. Basant Kumar Misra will be honoured by the President of India, Shri. Ram Nath Kovind, with the Dr. B. C. ROY National Award in the most prestigious category of ‘Eminent Medical Person’ of the year, the highest award in the field of medicine in India.

BIOGRAPHY – Dr. B. K. Misra

B. K. Misra is one of the leading Neurosurgeons in India and is the Head of the Department of Surgery & Head of Neurosurgery & Gamma Knife Radiosurgery at P. D. Hinduja Hospital & Medical Research Centre. Under his guidance P. D. Hinduja Hospital was the first hospital in South Asia to acquire Gamma Knife Radiosurgery Facility.
He was the first in the world to do Image Guided Aneurysm microsurgery and the first in South Asia to perform Gamma Knife Radiosurgery.
He was also the first neurosurgeon in India to do Awake Craniotomy for brain tumors.
Currently Dr. Misra is the President of Asian Australasian Society of Neurological Surgeons (First Indian), President of World Federation of Skull Base Societies (First Asian) & 2nd Vice President of World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies after completing his 4-year term as Secretary of WFNS (First Asian).
He was also recognized as one of the World’s Top Neurosurgeons – published in JO LEE magazine as “The World’s Top 16 Neurosurgeons THAT MATTER “.

FACTFILE – Dr. B.C. Roy National Award

B.C. Roy National Award is considered the highest medical honour of the nation. The highest medical honour of India, instituted by the Medical Council of India in 1962.
The Award is given annually in each of the following categories: Statesmanship of the Highest Order in India, Medical man-cum-Statesman, Eminent Medical Person, Eminent person in Philosophy, Eminent person in Science and Eminent person in Arts.
It is presented by President of India in New Delhi on July 1, National Doctors’ Day.
It was first awarded in 1973 to Sandip Mukerjee, FRCS.
In India, the National Doctors’ Day is celebrated on 1st July every year to honour the legendary physician and the second Chief Minister of West Bengal, Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy.

India’s Fiscal Deficit has Reached 86.5% of the 2018-19 Budget

According to the monthly review of accounts of Government of India released by the Ministry of Finance, a fiscal deficit Rs 5.40 lakh crore for April-July 2018-19 has been reached. This is 86.5 percent of the budgeted target, which is less than 92.4 percent in the same period last year.
India has received Rs 3,49,467 crore (19.22 percent of corresponding BE 18-19 of Total Receipts) up to July 2018 comprising Rs 2,92,611 crore Tax Revenue (Net to Centre), Rs 43,125 crore of Non-Tax Revenue and Rs 13,731 crore of Non-Debt Capital Receipts.
Non Debt Capital Receipts consists of Recovery of Loans (Rs 4,512 crore) and Disinvestment of PSUs (Rs 9,219 crore).
Rs 2,12,414 crore has been transferred to State Governments as devolution of the share of taxes by the Government of India up to this period.
Total expenditure incurred by the country is Rs 8,89,724 crore (36.43 percent of corresponding BE 18-19), out of which Rs 7,78,387 crore is on Revenue Account and Rs 1,11,337 crore is on Capital Account.
Out of the total Revenue Expenditure, Rs 1,80,844 crore is on account of Interest Payments and Rs 1,41,682 crore is on account of Major Subsidies.

Fiscal Deficit – A Fiscal Deficit occurs when a government’s total expenditures exceed the revenue that it generates, excluding money from borrowings. Deficit differs from debt, which is an accumulation of yearly deficits.

Fiscal Deficit – A Fiscal Deficit is regarded by some as a positive economic event. For example, economist John Maynard Keynes believed that deficits help countries climb out of economic recession. On the other hand, fiscal conservatives feel that governments should avoid deficits in favor of a balanced budget policy.

September 2

PM Modi launches India Post Payments Bank

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the payments bank of Indian postal department that will take banking to the doorstep of every citizen through an unmatched network of post offices and almost 3 lakh postmen and ‘Grameen Dak Sewaks’.
India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) will be like any other banks but its operations will be on a smaller scale without involving any credit risk. It will carry out most banking operations like accepting deposits but can’t advance loans or issue credit cards.
The freshly-minted payments bank will accept deposits of up to Rs 1 lakh, offer remittance services, mobile payments/transfers/purchases and other banking services like ATM/debit cards, net banking and third-party fund transfers.
Deposits in any account that exceed Rs 1 lakh will be automatically converted into post office savings account.
The government owns 100 per cent in IPPB, which has been set up under the aegis of the Department of Posts and will offer products and services through multiple channels such as counter services, micro ATMs, mobile banking app, messages and interactive voice response.
It will use Aadhaar to open accounts, while a QR card and biometrics will drive authentication, transactions, and payments.
Grameen Dak Sewaks will be armed with smartphones and biometric devices to handle transactions.
IPPB has teamed up with financial services providers like PNB and Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance for third-party products like loans and insurance.

Point2Remember – Suresh Sethi is the MD & CEO

Govt launched Atal Ranking of Institutions on Innovation Achievements

To promote a culture of innovation and research in higher education, the Union government has introduced Atal Ranking of Institutions on Innovation Achievements (ARIIA).
ARIIA will rank educational institutions for innovation output and measures some parameters which are India-specific considering the current scenario and status of higher education in India.
ARRIA parameters are primarily organised in five broad heads which are further elaborated into suitable sub-heads. Each of the five main parameters has certain weightage assigned to it and the sub-heads also have appropriate weight distribution.
The institutions will be rank-ordered based on scores. The overall score can take a maximum value of 100.

Significance of ARRIA:

ARRIA will inspire Indian institutions to reorient their mind-set and build ecosystems to encourage high quality research, innovation and entrepreneurship.
It will focus on quality of innovations rather than quantity and measure the real impact created by these innovations nationally and internationally.
It will set tone and direction for institutions for future development for making them globally competitive and in forefront of innovation.

Flood-hit Kerala to rope in KPMG as consultant for rebuilding state

The Kerala government to appoint KPMG as project consultant partner for rebuilding the state ravaged by massive floods. KPMG is one of the largest professional service companies in the world and services for projects related to revamping the state would be free of cost.
Tata Project Ltd was entrusted with the task of reconstructing roads, buildings and bridges destroyed in the rain fury at Pamba, the foothills of famous Lord Ayyappa shrine in Sabarimala.
A high-level committee with Chief Secretary Tom Jose as chairman would be constituted to supervise the reconstruction work at Pamba and to ensure its completion on a time-bound basis in view of the annual Mandala-Makkaravillku pilgrimage season at Sabarimala shrine which begins on November 17.
The state decided to raise funds from foreign countries where Kerala expatriates live in large numbers. A minister and necessary officials would be deployed for mobilising funds from countries such as the UAE, Oman, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Germany, USA and Canada.
The total amount received towards the Chief Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund (CMDRF) has touched Rs 1,026 crore.

Sunil Mehta elected as new Chairman of Indian Bank’s Association

Punjab National Bank’s (PNB’s) Managing Director and Chief Executive, Sunil Mehta was elected as the new chairman of Indian Banks Association (IBA) for year 2018-19.
Bank of India’s managing director and chief executive Dina Bandhu Mohapatra was elected as the Deputy Chairman. Shyam Srinivasan, Managing Director & CEO, Federal Bank and Rajnish Kumar, Chairman, State Bank of India, continue to be Deputy Chairmen.

FACTFILE – Indian Bank’s Association (IBA)

It is an association of Indian banks and financial institutions.
It was established on September 26, 1946.
It is headquartered in Mumbai.
Its objective is to strengthen, develop and foster coordination among Indian banking stakeholders.
It also facilitates various member banks.
Managing Committee of IBA consists of a chairman, three deputy chairmen, one honorary secretary as well as 26 members.
The members of IBA comprise of public sector banks, private sector banks, foreign banks having offices in India, co-operative banks, regional rural banks and all Indian financial institutions.
Currently it has 237 members from banking sector operating in India.

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Assam Current Affairs August 29-31, 2018

Posted on September 9, 2018October 8, 2018 by admin

Current Affairs Assam August 29-31, 2018

( Covers all important Assam Current Affairs & GK topics for the week of August 29-31, 2018 )

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August 29

EESL signed $300 mollin pact with World Bank to boost energy efficiency programme

Indian Govt, the government, World Bank and Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) signed a US$ 220 million loan agreement and a US$ 80 million guarantee pact to push energy efficiency programme in India.

To be implemented by EESL, the programme will help incrase the deployment of energy saving measures in residential and public sectors, strengthen EESL’s institutional capacity, and enhance its access to commercial financing.

The US$ 220 million loan, from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) to Energy Efficiency Services Ltd, has a 5-year grace period, and a maturity of 19 years. This investment package is expected to avoid lifetime greenhouse gas emissions of 170 million tons of CO2, and contribute to avoiding an estimated 10 GW of additional generation capacity, which would be over 50 per cent of the National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency target of 19.6 GW indicated in India’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Accord.

The key components of the program includes

creating sustainable markets for LED lights and energy efficient ceiling fans; facilitating well-structured and scalable investments in public street lighting
developing sustainable business models for emerging market segments such as super-efficient air conditioning and agricultural water pumping systems
strengthening the institutional capacity of EESL

FACTFILE – Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL)

Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) is an energy service company (ESCO) of the Government of India and is the world’s largest public energy service company (ESCO).
It is 100% government owned, a joint venture of state-owned NTPC Limited, Power Finance Corporation, Rural Electrification Corporation and POWERGRID.
EESL was formed under India’s Ministry of Power to facilitate energy efficiency projects. Innovative business and implementation models can significantly reduce consumption and costs.
EESL also acts as the resource centre for capacity building of state electricity distribution companies, electricity regulatory commissions (ERCs), state-designated agencies (SDAs), upcoming ESCOs, financial institutions, etc.
It is backed by and promoters, and has net worth of over INR 2.144 billion. India’s energy efficiency market is estimated at US$12 billion

FACTFILE – The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD)

IBRD is an international financial institution that offers loans to middle-income developing countries.
The IBRD is the first of five member institutions that compose the World Bank Group and is headquartered in Washington, D.C., United States.
It was established in 1944 with the mission of financing the reconstruction of European nations devastated by World War II. The IBRD and its concessional lending arm, the International Development Association, are collectively known as the World Bank as they share the same leadership and staff.
Following the reconstruction of Europe, the Bank’s mandate expanded to advancing worldwide economic development and eradicating poverty. The IBRD provides commercial-grade or concessional financing to sovereign states to fund projects that seek to improve transportation and infrastructure, education, domestic policy, environmental consciousness, energy investments, healthcare, access to food and potable water, and access to improved sanitation.

World Bank to provide USD 250 Million loan to Rajasthan to improve power distribution

An agreement was signed between the Government of India, the Government of Rajasthan and the World Bank, under which the World Bank will provide a USD 250 million loan facility to Rajasthan for improving the performance of its electricity distribution sector.

The Second Programmatic Electricity Distribution Reform Development Policy Loan for Rajasthan is the second in the series of two operations planned for a comprehensive turnaround of Rajasthan’s electricity distribution sector.

The key areas that the programme will support include, strengthening governance in the distribution sector by establishing annual performance MoUs between the DISCOMs and the State Government.

The loan from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), has a 3-year grace period, and a maturity of 21 years.

Gross NPAs may improve to 10% by March 2019

The gross non-performing assets (GNPAs) of the banking sector is likely to improve to 10% in March 2019, from 11.52% as on June 30, 2018, as nearly 60% of the bad loans of the sector are under active resolution.

The net NPA is also expected to decrease to 4.3%, from 5.92% as of June-end this year. GNPA and NNPA may be higher at 12.2% and 5.6%, respectively, in absence of resolution.

ICRA estimated that 70 big companies accounting for around Rs 3.8 trillion of debt may be heading for resolution under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC).

Expect GNPAs and NNPAs for banking sector are likely to reduce to close to 10% and 4.3% respectively by March 2019, same may be higher at 12.2% and 5.6%, respectively, in absence of resolution. The GNPAs declined to 11.52% as on June 30, 2018, from 11.68% as on March 31, 2018, while the NNPAs decreased to 5.92%, against 6.27%.

FACTFILE – Non-performing asset (NPA)

A Non-performing asset (NPA) is defined as a credit facility in respect of which the interest and/or installment of principal has remained ‘past due’ for a specified period of time. In simple terms, an asset is tagged as non performing when it ceases to generate income for the lender.
Once the borrower has failed to make interest or principal payments for 90 days the loan is considered to be a non-performing asset.
Non-performing assets are problematic for financial institutions since they depend on interest payments for income. Troublesome pressure from the economy can lead to a sharp increase in NPLs and often results in massive write-downs.

August 30

Govt approves 80% hike in spending for India Post Payments Bank to Rs 1,435 crore

The Cabinet approved 80 per cent increase in spending for India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) to Rs 1,435 crore. The IPPB is set to go live with 650 branches and 3,250 access points across the country on September 1.

It will offer financial services in rural areas including savings and current accounts, money transfer, direct benefit transfer, bill and utility payments and enterprise and merchant payments.

This financial push will increase IPPB project outlay to Rs 1,435 crore from Rs 800 crore, giving it additional firepower to compete in the market with existing operators like Airtel Payments Bank and Paytm Payments Bank.

The revised cost estimate of Rs 635 crore is on account of Technology Costs (Rs 400 crore) and HR expenses (Rs 235 crore). IPPB will begin scaling up its operations immediately from the 650 branches and 3,250 access points.

All 1.55 lakh post offices will be linked to its system by December 31, 2018. Of these, 1.30 lakh access points will be located in rural areas, taking it to vast untapped market.

FACTFILE – India Post Payments Bank

India Post Payment Bank (IPPB) is a Payments bank headquartered in New delhi.It is a goverment owned Public limited company. The bank was inaugurated on September 1, 2018.
It’s 100 per cent Government owned, set up under the aegis of Department of Post, and will offer products and services though multiple channels such as counter services, micro ATMs, mobile banking app etc.
On August 19, 2015 India post got licence to run payments bank from Reserve Bank of India.
On August 17 ,2016 registered as public limited government company for setup payments bank. First branch of IPPB inaugurated on 30 January 2017 at Raipur and Ranchi. The payment bank was nationwide inaugurated on September 1, 2018.
India Post Payment Bank is a digital bank. Account can open from mobile app of the bank using Aadhaar and PAN.
Account: The bank offer savings and current accounts up to a balance of Rs 1 Lac.

Key Person – Suresh Sethi, MD & CEO

FACTFILE – Payments banks

Payments banks is a new model of banks conceptualised by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
They can accept a restricted deposit, which is currently limited to ₹1 lakh per customer.
Payments banks cannot issue loans and credit card, but can issue services like ATM cards, debit cards, net-banking and mobile-banking.

Point2Remember -Bharti Airtel set up India’s first live payments bank.

GDP to register 7.4% growth on industrial activity, says RBI

The Reserve Bank expects India’s (RBI) says India’s economic growth rate to accelerate to 7.4% in the current financial year on pick up in industrial activity and good monsoon, as compare to 6.7% in the previous year.

RBI also expressed that its monetary policy objective will continue to be of achieving the medium-term target for retail inflation of 4%, within a tolerance band of +/- 2%, while supporting growth.

Several experts, including SBI, expects the CAD to widen this fiscal on account of persistent high oil prices and large trade deficit. The CAD was estimated at 2% of the GDP in fiscal year ending March 2018.

The prevailing negative credit-to-GDP gap indicates that there is sufficient scope for credit absorption and expansion in bank lending on a sustained basis.

India’s Chandrayaan-2 Moon Mission to be launched in 2019

Kailasavadivoo Sivan, the chairperson of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has said that the window to launch India’s second mission to the moon – Chandrayaan-2 – has been slotted between 3 January 2019 and 16 February 2019.

FACTFILE – Chandrayaan-2

The mission is planned to be launched to the Moon by a Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III (GSLV Mk III).
Chandrayaan-2 will be equipped with a lander and rover probe which will descend on the surface of the moon from where it will observe the lunar surface and send back data which will be useful for analysis of the lunar soil.
The mission will have an orbiter weighing 2,379kg, lander named Vikram weighing 1,471kg and a rover weighing 27kg.
Chandrayaan-2 is scheduled to be launched no earlier than January 2019, and will attempt to soft land a lander and rover in a high plain between two craters, Manzinus C and Simpelius N, at a latitude of about 70° south. If successful, Chandrayaan-2 will be the first-ever mission to land a rover near the lunar south pole.

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Assam Current Affairs August 22-28 , 2018

Posted on September 9, 2018October 8, 2018 by admin

Current Affairs Assam – August 22-28, 2018

( Covers all important Assam Current Affairs & GK topics for the week of August 22-28, 2018 )

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August 22

Satya Pal Malik appointed as J&K Governor

Bihar Governor Satya Pal Malik is appointed the Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, replacing N.N. Vohra who was in the post for more than 10 years.

With Satya Pal Malik transferred to Jammu and Kashmir, where Governor’s Rule was imposed on June 20 after the fall of PDP-led governmentt, President Ram Nath Kovind also appointed three new governors in Bihar, Haryana and Uttarakhand and transferred three Governors to new states.

Satya Pal Malik will only be the second politician to enter the Kashmir Raj Bhavan as 11 others were former bureaucrats or from military personnel.

Lalji Tandon is appointed as Bihar Governor.
Satyadev Narayan Arya has been appointed as Haryana Governor.
Baby Rani Maurya has been appointed Uttarakhand Governor.
Meghalaya Governor Ganga Prasad has been transferred to Sikkim.
Tripura Governor Tathagata Roy has been transferred to Meghalaya.
Kaptan Singh Solanki, Governor of Haryana, has been transferred to Tripura.

President’s rule– President’s rule refers to suspension of state government and imposition of direct Central Government rule in a state of India. Under Article 356 of the Constitution of India, if any state government is unable to function according to constitutional provisions, the Central government can take direct control of the state governance.

In such scenario, executive authority is exercised through the centrally appointed governor.

Governor of Indian state – Governor is a de jure constitutional head of Indian state. During President’s rule, the Council of Ministers is dissolved, vacating the office of Chief Minister. Furthermore, the Vidhan Sabha is either prorogued or dissolved, necessitating a new election.

In the state of Jammu and Kashmir, failure of governmental function results in Governor’s rule, imposed by invoking Section 92 of the Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir. The state’s governor issues the proclamation, after obtaining the consent of the President of India. If it is not possible to revoke Governor’s rule within six months of imposition, the President’s Rule under Article 356 of the Indian Constitution is imposed.

Darrang awarded best CSC performing district

The Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has recognised Darrang as the best performing district in the field of digital online services through Common Service Centres or CSCs.

The Additional Secretary of the Electronics and Information Technology Pankaj Kumar in the presence of Union IT Law and Justice Minister, Ravi Shankar Prasad, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CSC Dr Dinesh Kumar Tyagi, Director MeitY, Pravin Chandekar, Joint Secretary, MeitY Sanjay Goel, and other senior officials from the North East offered a memento and a certificate of appreciation to Darrang Deputy Commissioner Ashok Kumar Barman and Additional Deputy Commissioner (IT) cum Project Director of DRDA, Darrang Pankaj Chakravarty.

This award was given ceremonially in a function organised in connection with the launching of the North East Vision Document recently in Guwahati.

FACTFILE – Common Service Centres or CSCs

CSCs are the access points for delivery of essential public utility services, social welfare schemes, healthcare, financial, education and agriculture services, apart from host of B2C services to citizens in rural and remote areas of the country.
It is a pan-India network catering to regional, geographic, linguistic and cultural diversity of the country, thus enabling the Government’s mandate of a socially, financially and digitally inclusive society.
Common Service Centres (CSC) scheme is one of the mission mode projects under the Digital India Programme.
Based on the assessment of CSC scheme, the Government launched the CSC 2.0 scheme in 2015 to expand the outreach of CSCs to all Gram Panchayats across the country. Under CSC 2.0 scheme, at least one CSC will be set up in each of the 2.5 lakh GPs across the country by 2019.

August 23

Veteran Journalist-Author Kuldip Nayar passes away at 95

Veteran journalist Kuldip Nayar passed away on 22 August at the age of 95. Nayar was also an author, with 15 books to his name, and was appointed as High Commissioner of India to the United Kingdom in 1990. He was also nominated as a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha in 1997.

Kuldip Nayar was born in Punjab’s Sialkot in British India (now Pakistan) on 14 August, 1923 to Gurbaksh Singh and Pooran Devi. He completed a BA from Forman Christian College in Lahore and LLB from the Law College Lahore.

Kuldip Nayar was known as an editor who “refused to bend or crawl” during the Emergency under former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s tenure. Apart from his work in journalism, Kuldip Nayar was also a part of India’s delegation to the United Nations in 1996.

He was awarded 2003 Astor Award for Press Freedom and 2007 Shaheed Niyogi Memorial Award for Lifetime Achievement.

PV Sindhu among the World’s highest earning non-tennis female athlete

World championship and Rio Olympics silver medallist PV Sindhu is the seventh highest paid female athlete in the world based on the earnings from prize money and endorsements for the last 12 months ending June 1, 2018.

Sindhu and race car driver Danica Patrick are the only non-tennis players in the top-10 list that is headed by 23-time Grand Slam singles champion Serena Williams.

According to Forbes, Sindhu earned a total of $8.5 million in the corresponding 12 months with her prize money only accounting for $500,000, with the remaining $8 million coming from endorsements.

The top 10 women earned a total of $105 million in these 12 months through prize money and endorsements, which was 4% down from last year and 28% down from five years ago.

Rank	Athlete	Total Earnings
1	Serena Williams	$18.1mn
2	Caroline Wozniaki	$13mn
3	Sloane Stephens	$11.2mn
4	Garbine Muguruza	$11mn
5	Maria Sharapova	$10.5mn
6	Venus Williams	$10.2mn
7	PV Sindhu	$8.5mn
8	Simona Halep	$7.7mn
9	Danica Patrick	$7.5mn
10	Angelique Kerber	$7mn

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Assam Current Affairs August 15-21, 2018

Posted on August 31, 2018October 8, 2018 by admin

Assam Current Affairs – August 15-21, 2018

( Covers all important Assam Current Affairs & GK topics for the week of August 15-21, 2018 )

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August 15

India celebrates 72^nd Independence Day

Every year India celebrates 15th of August as Independence Day to commemorate the day India got independence from British rule, after the UK Parliament passed the Indian Independence Act 1947 transferring legislative sovereignty to the Indian Constituent Assembly. India still retained King George VI as head of state until its transition to full republican constitution.

India attained independence following the Independence Movement noted for largely non-violent resistance and civil disobedience led by the Indian National Congress (INC). Independence coincided with the partition of India, in which the British India was divided along religious lines into the Dominions of India and Pakistan; the partition was accompanied by violent riots and mass casualties, and the displacement of nearly 15 million people due to religious violence.

On 15 August 1947, the first Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru raised the Indian national flag above the Lahori Gate of the Red Fort in Delhi. On each subsequent Independence Day, the incumbent Prime Minister customarily raises the flag and gives an address to the nation.

Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik launches Biju Swasthya Yojana

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik launched a new health scheme, the Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana, on 15^th Aug on the occasion of the 72nd Independence Day.

The Odisha government had rejected the National Health Protection scheme, widely called the Modicare scheme, as it covered much lesser number of people in Odisha by adopting the 2011 census.

The Odisha government has gone ahead with its own Biju Swasthya Yojana with an extended coverage up to Rs 5 lakh per year. The amount is Rs 7 lakh for women.

FACTFILE – The Biju Krushak Kalyan Yojana or BKKY

It is a health insurance scheme for the farmers in the state of Odisha, India.
The Biju Krushak Kalyan Yojana (BKKY) was launched in Angul district of Odisha to provide people financial support through health and accident insurance.
There are many hospitals, Community Health Centre (CHCs) in each district of Odisha under Biju Krushak Kalya Yojana (BKKY) to provide people health care with low cost.

Smitha Crishna tops the list of India’s richest women list

Kotak Wealth-Hurun, for the first time, has compiled a list of India’s wealthiest women, which features the heir of the Godrej empire, Smitha Crishna, as India’s richest woman.

Kotak Wealth-Hurun used multiple parameters including industry parameters like price-to-earnings, price-to-sales etc. to calculate wealth and prepare the list. The ranking recognizes India’s leading women, viz. entrepreneurs, businesswomen, investors and inheritors. The report acknowledges the Indian woman’s role in creating wealth in one of the fastest growing economies in the world.

Smitha Crishna’s top-ranked net worth of Rs. 37,570cr is followed by HCL CEO and Executive Director Roshni Nadar’s Rs. 30,200cr. Occupying the third spot is Times Group chairperson, Indu Jain, with a net worth Rs. 26,240cr. Fourth is the Biocon founder Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw with a net worth of Rs. 24,790cr, the only self-made woman in the list. Fifth is HCL’s Kiran Nadar (Rs. 20,120cr).

The youngest woman in the rankings is Outcome Health co-founder Shradha Agarwal, with a net worth of Rs. 8,200cr. In a sector-wise breakdown, 22% of India’s top 100 wealthiest women come from the pharmaceutical sector, while 18% hail from the software services sector.

August 16

Former Indian Test captain Ajit Wadekar passed away

Former Indian captain Ajit Wadekar passed away on 15^th Aug in Mumbai, at the age of 77.

Born in Mumbai, Wadekar made his international debut in 1966 against West Indies. Ajit Wadekar was the captain of the Indian side that won the series in England and West Indies. Wadekar was India’s first ODI captain, although he appeared in just two matches.

Wadekar also served as India’s manager in the ’90s during Mohammed Azharuddin’s tenure as captain. He later went on to become the chairman of selectors as well.

In 1967, the Government of India bestowed Wadekar with the Arjuna Award. He received the Padma Shri Award, the country’s fourth highest civilian honour. He was also awarded with CK Nayudu Lifetime achievement award, Sportsperson of the Year, and the Castrol Lifetime Achievement award.

All-women SWAT team guards Red Fort

India’s first all-women SWAT team from the north-east beamed with pride as guarded the historic Red Fort on the Independence Day. The SWAT unit was formed in 2009 in the wake of 26/11 terror attack in Mumbai, to counter terror operations in highly complicated situations.

The 36-member all-women Special Weapons And Tactics (SWAT) team has been trained by the NSG for anti-terrorism duty under the Delhi Police’s Special Cell.

They are equipped with AK-47 rifles, MP5 machine guns, Glock 17 or 26 pistols and corner shot devices for enhanced night vision.

The women commandos were also trained in Krav Maga, which is a self-defence system developed for the Israel Defence Forces.

The women commandos were trained to undertake complex operations during terrorist attacks at crowded markets, residential complexes or government premises.

The commandos are further equipped with a pencil torch, bulletproof helmet, bulletproof jacket, a cutter and a commando dagger. They also wear special knee and elbow pads for protection during covert operations.

Anandiben Patel takes oath as Governor of Chhattisgarh

Madhya Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, who has been given the additional charge of Chhattisgarh following the death of governor Balramji Dass Tandon, was sworn in at a ceremony. Chhattisgarh High Court Chief Justice Ajay Kumar Tripathi administered the oath of office to Patel during a simple function at the Raj Bhawan.

President Ram Nath Kovind gave Patel the additional charge of Chhattisgarh following the demise of Tandon, Patel will discharge the additional duties until regular arrangements for the office of the governor of Chhattisgarh are made.

Term of Governor– The governors and lieutenant-governors are appointed by the president for a term of five years.

Qualifications – Article 157 and Article 158 of the Constitution of India specify eligibility requirements for the post of governor. They are as follows:

- - be a citizen of India.
  - be at least 35 years of age.
  - not be a member of the either house of the parliament or house of the state legislature.
  - not hold any office of profit.

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Over 8,000 children missing in Assam since 2013

Reliance Foundation keen to partner with Meghalaya for sports infrastructure

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) opens crucial meeting to consider global warming report

GST revenue collection for September 2018 month crosses Rs 94,000 crore

Assam CM launches Wage Compensation Scheme for pregnant women in tea gardens

Assam Police Day 2018 celebrated on 1st October

India, Uzbekistan sets bilateral trade target of $1 billion

IMF appoints Gita Gopinath as the Director of Research Department

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India, Bangladesh working on Free Trade Agreement

PM Modi and Cochin Airport awarded with UN’s highest honour ‘Champions of the Earth’ award

Google and Ministry of Railways launched a project to preserve cultural heritage of the Indian Railways

Goa PWD, Portuguese Environment Ministry signs water management deal

Myanmar-India border trade reached $87 million since April, 2018

Union Government sets up panel to review The Competition Act, 2002

App e-Niyantron launched in Golaghat district

China to host Fifth World Internet Conference

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Arunachal Pradesh CM launches universal healthcare scheme

Maharashtra to start a new Cyber University

271 million people moved out of poverty in India, UNDP estimates

Germany rolls out world’s first hydrogen-powered train

Meghalaya Cabinet approves state education policy

Indian satellite-linked GPS module launched for Navigation

Tamil Nadu Govt. started scheme for protection of exotic Neela Kurinji plants

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Over 37 lakh women benefited under Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana

Delhi signs MoU with Seoul on environment transport

Union Ministry of Tourism inaugurated First Tribal Circuit Project in Chhattisgarh

International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer observed on 16th September

PM Narendra Modi launches nationwide ‘Swachhata Hi Seva’ Movement

Cabinet Committee approves 100% electrification of Railways by 2021-22

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Japan to conduct world’s first test of space elevator

Airtel Payments Bank enables card-less withdrawal at ATMs

FACTFILE – Airtel Payments Bank

Mega tree plantation launched by Delhi CM Kejriwal

HDFC Bank raises MCLR across tenures, 1-year MCLR at 8.6%

RBI to auction state government securities for Rs 8650 crore

India, Bulgaria signs five MoUs on various fields

Dibrugarh wins Pradhan Mantri Matritva Vandana Yojana Award

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India opened Zokhawthar check-post in Mizoram, along the border with Myanmar

WHO South-East Asia meets in Delhi

Dr. B. K. Misra to receive Dr. B. C. ROY National Award

India’s Fiscal Deficit has Reached 86.5% of the 2018-19 Budget

PM Modi launches India Post Payments Bank

Govt launched Atal Ranking of Institutions on Innovation Achievements

Flood-hit Kerala to rope in KPMG as consultant for rebuilding state

Sunil Mehta elected as new Chairman of Indian Bank’s Association

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EESL signed $300 mollin pact with World Bank to boost energy efficiency programme

World Bank to provide USD 250 Million loan to Rajasthan to improve power distribution

Gross NPAs may improve to 10% by March 2019

Govt approves 80% hike in spending for India Post Payments Bank to Rs 1,435 crore

GDP to register 7.4% growth on industrial activity, says RBI

India’s Chandrayaan-2 Moon Mission to be launched in 2019

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Satya Pal Malik appointed as J&K Governor

Darrang awarded best CSC performing district

Veteran Journalist-Author Kuldip Nayar passes away at 95

PV Sindhu among the World’s highest earning non-tennis female athlete

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India celebrates 72nd Independence Day

Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik launches Biju Swasthya Yojana

Smitha Crishna tops the list of India’s richest women list

Former Indian Test captain Ajit Wadekar passed away

All-women SWAT team guards Red Fort

Anandiben Patel takes oath as Governor of Chhattisgarh

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Assam Police Day 2018 celebrated on 1^st October

International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer observed on 16^th September

India celebrates 72^nd Independence Day